First time since 1996, Ulfa-I does not call bandh on I-day

Amid chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s ongoing efforts to bring Ulfa (I), the last remaining militant outfit of Assam to the discussion table and sign the elusive peace agreement, the outfit for the first time since 1996 has decided not to give a call to boycott the coming Independence Day.

The outfit without referring to the CM’s peace efforts, which started after the outfit’s leader Paresh Baruah expressed his trust on him and declared ceasefire in May, stated that this year it was not giving any bandh call on I-Day after taking into consideration the hardships being faced by people due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We are staying away from calling any bandh this year but we appeal to people to register their protests democratically and by following Covid-19 protocol,” the outfit stated and asserted that Assam was “never part of colonial India”.


The outlawed outfit stated that the second article of the Treaty of Yandaboo, which was signed on February 24, 1826, between the East India Company and Burma and said that both had accepted the sovereignty of Assam and it was not transferred to British India.

ULFA-I said that it is ready for a discussion on Assam’s sovereignty, by putting forth “historical facts” and in line with the objective of the outfit.

“Ulfa (I) is neither against talks nor is belligerent, but we cannot ignore the historical facts for the sake of dialogue. Indian government maintains that it is impossible to discuss sovereignty with Ulfa (I). But, we know that it is possible. Government of India can amend the constitution to pave way for discussions. The Constitution has been amended many times by India. So, why can't India amend it again and have discussions with us?" the outfit added.

Citing the Treaty of Yandaboo, the outfit said, "According to the second article of the treaty, Burma and East India Company had accepted the sovereignty of Assam, and the state was not transferred to British India.”