On September 21, 2024, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma asked all militant groups to avoid violence and instead use it for the development of the State. This was said by Himanta Biswa Sarma on the eve of International Peace Day.
“Today on #InternationalDayOfPeace I request the armed conflict groups to engage in dialogue and identify the way towards prosperity for Assam,” the CM noted in his X app update.
“Strikes and terrorism will not bring any positive development to the State, while conferences will be done to ensure that Assam occupies the status of a top State,” he went on.
Over the last several years, several militant organizations in Assam, including one faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom, have signed peace agreements with the government and many rebels have joined the mainstream society.
However ULFA (Independent) represented by chief leader Paresh Barua has not been part of any negotiations with the government up to this day, although Mr. Sarma has addressed this militant leadermany times inviting them for talks.
The banned organization had claimed carrying out ‘bombing’ at 24 locations on Independence Day this year with the police missing 8 bomb-like objects accessories from different regions including two in Guwahati.
When it was pointed out that the State was likely to ‘become a powerhouse’ in another 10 years, the CM had cautioned Barua against any disruption to the future of the youth.
