Controversy Erupts in Tinsukia

Assam Minister Biswajit Daimary has ignited a significant political debate following remarks made during a public event in Tinsukia district's Kakopathar. The senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader appeared to credit the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for historically safeguarding the state from external destabilizing forces over a span of five decades.

Speaking before an audience, Daimary remarked that despite criticisms directed at the underground group, no external force was able to destabilize Assam due to the organization's presence. He further highlighted the deep-rooted demographic connections of the group's core leadership, specifically pointing to the Moran and Matak communities.

"The people who provided ULFA with its core leadership were from the Moran and Matak communities. Even Paresh Baruah is from the Matak community," Daimary stated, adding that the state's socio-political landscape over the past fifty years would have looked vastly different without their historical footprint.

Chief Minister's Clarification

As the remarks quickly gained traction and triggered widespread discussion across political circles, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stepped in to clarify the context of his cabinet colleague's statements.

Speaking to reporters in Tinsukia, Chief Minister Sarma asserted that he had personally discussed the matter with Daimary. According to Sarma, the minister was specifically referring to the faction of ULFA that entered into formal peace negotiations with the central and state governments, culminating in a tripartite agreement, rather than the active, banned faction led by Paresh Baruah.

"Daimary told me that he was referring to the ULFA faction led by Anup Chetia, which came forward for talks and signed an agreement with the government. He was not referring to Paresh Baruah's ULFA (Independent), which remains a banned organization under the law," Sarma said.

Opposition Demands Accountability

The clarification has failed to quell opposition criticism. Assam Mahila Congress President Meera Borthakur Goswami formally escalated the matter by writing to Union Home Minister Amit Shah. In her communication, Borthakur expressed deep concern over a sitting minister praising an entity historically designated as an unlawful association under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

The opposition leader urged the Union Ministry to examine the complete context of the speech and sought official clarification on whether Daimary's commentary aligns with the broader governance stance of the state administration regarding armed insurgent groups.

Background on ULFA Factionalism

The United Liberation Front of Asom fractured significantly over ideological and strategic divides concerning peace talks with the Indian state. While the faction led by Anup Chetia embraced dialogue, eventually signing a formal peace accord with the Centre and the Assam government to pursue democratic avenues, the faction headed by Paresh Baruah, known as ULFA (Independent), rejected negotiations and continues its armed insurgency from bases along international borders.