The rebel United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the state government of Assam, and the Indian government have together signed a
peace agreement, with the aim of bringing an end to the insurgency that has spanned over 40 years. Present at this momentous signing were ULFA leader Arabinda Rajkhowa, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and Union Minister Amit Shah.
Originally formed in 1979, the ULFA started out with a clear-cut mission of fighting for the “restoration of Assam’s sovereignty” or greater state autonomy. However, the organization was met with internal turmoil following the death of the militant leader of the United Front in 1991, causing a division in the rank and file of the ULFA. By 2012, the ULFA formally
split into two factions: the Anti-Talks Faction (ULFA-ATF) and the Pro-Talks Faction (ULFA-PTF). The ULFA-ATF shortly thereafter rebranded itself as ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) in 2013, while the ULFA-PTF embarked on peace talks with the government.
It’s important to note that the Indian government officially banned the ULFA in 1990, following which there were numerous violent encounters between the Indian military and the ULFA.
In discussing this peace agreement, Chief Minister (CM) of Assam, Himanta Biswa Sarma, placed emphasis on the agreement’s future impact in promoting more peaceful approaches with other
“separatist groups” in the region and “insurgent groups” in the state, including but not limited to the Bodo, Karbi, and Adivasi factions.
Moreover, CM Sarma offered reassurances that the government is committed to achieving the successful dissolution of the organization, the surrender of weapons, and the successful integration of the 729 members into mainstream society.
One notable exclusion from these peace talk negotiations was ULFA-I, led by Paresh Barua. The ULFA-I continues to champion the issue of Assam’s sovereignty and some members of the faction have been implicated in regional violence.
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