Militant Groups Call for August 15 Boycott Across Northeast

Guwahati: The United Liberation Army of Assam (Independent) and NSCN/GPRN issued a joint demand on August 10 to boycott India’s Independence Day celebrations. They target August 15, 2026, across Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, and Nagaland. The groups claim these regions live under Indian colonial rule. They want total sovereignty for the Naga community and the people of Assam.

These militants view official celebrations as attempts to mask political subjugation. They argue that indigenous groups possess unique histories separate from the Indian state. The ULFA(I) vowed to keep pushing its armed struggle to restore what it calls sovereign independence. Despite these threats, the groups backed off a full general strike.

They cited the severe flood crisis currently gripping the region. A total shutdown would hinder relief, rescue, and reconstruction work. Instead, they asked for a simple boycott of all state-run programs. The groups described their action as an expression of political opposition, calling the national holiday a "so-called Independence Day" for the region.