News Desk: A political controversy has erupted in Assam after state minister Biswajit Daimary praised the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), a banned organisation, claiming that the group had protected the state from outside forces for more than five decades. His remarks triggered criticism from the opposition and prompted Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to clarify which faction the minister was referring to.
Daimary made the controversial comments during an event at Kakopathar in Tinsukia district on Tuesday. In a video of his speech, the minister was heard saying that no one had been able to challenge Assam over the past 50 years because of ULFA.
He argued that although some people might criticise the organisation, its presence had prevented outside forces from destabilising the state. He also highlighted the contribution of the Moran and Matak communities, claiming that several key leaders of ULFA came from these communities.
Referring to ULFA chief Paresh Baruah, Daimary noted that he also belonged to the Matak community. The minister further suggested that Assam's political and social situation could have been very different without the contributions of these communities.
As the remarks generated controversy, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stepped in to explain the minister's position. Speaking to reporters in Tinsukia on Thursday, Sarma said he had personally spoken to Daimary and clarified that the minister was referring to the ULFA faction led by Anup Chetia.
According to the Chief Minister, Daimary was talking about the faction that abandoned armed activities, entered into negotiations with the government and subsequently signed a peace agreement. Sarma stressed that the minister was not referring to the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (Independent), which continues to remain a banned organisation.
The controversy has also drawn a strong reaction from the Congress. Assam Mahila Congress president Meera Borthakur Goswami said she had written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah seeking clarification over Daimary's remarks.
In her letter, she raised concerns about praising an organisation associated with a prolonged armed insurgency and asked the Centre to examine the full context of the minister's speech.
ULFA split into two factions following disagreements over peace negotiations with the government. The Anup Chetia-led faction joined the peace process and signed a tripartite agreement with the Centre and the Assam government. However, the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (Independent) rejected negotiations and continues to operate outside the peace process.
The episode has reignited debate over Assam's insurgency history, the role of former militant organisations and the political implications of statements made by senior government representatives.
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