ULFA (I) threatens consequences over Bihar Diwas event in Assam

Guwahati: The proscribed militant outfit, United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA-Independent), has demanded the cancellation of the Bihar Diwas programme scheduled for 22 March in Tinsukia, Upper Assam. The outfit has threatened severe consequences if the event is not cancelled.

The Paresh Baruah-led outfit alleged that BJP leaders were planning to organise 'Bihar Diwas' in Tinsukia.

In a statement, ULFA (Independent) claimed that preparations were underway to celebrate 'Bihar Diwas' in Tinsukia under the patronage of several individuals, including BJP MLAs Suren Phukan and Sanjoy Kishan.


“This is an attack on the culture, heritage, and pride of the indigenous people,” the ULFA said in its statement.

The outfit further stated, “ULFA (Independent) opposes the observance of Bihar Day on the land of the indigenous people. We demand the immediate cancellation of this event by all concerned parties, both local and outsiders. If this directive is ignored and the event proceeds, the consequences will be dire. The responsibility for any unwanted and unfortunate situation that arises will lie solely with the organisers and their supporters.”

Opposition party Raijor Dal has opposed the event and linked it to the BJP’s vote-bank politics.

“We oppose the decision of the BJP and the BJP-led government to celebrate 'Bihar Diwas'. There is no reason to celebrate 'Bihar Diwas' in Assam. We have never seen Bihar celebrating Assam Divas,” said Raijor Dal chief and MLA Akhil Gogoi.

However, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma criticised those opposing the event. “Many have asked if 'Assam Divas' is celebrated outside Assam. I want to say that it is celebrated in every state nowadays. Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat celebrate 'Assam Divas' in the presence of their governors. If Bihar celebrates 'Assam Divas' and we celebrate 'Bihar Diwas', it will only strengthen mutual understanding. So, there is no point in making it a political issue,” Sarma said.

He further stated that industries had refrained from coming to Assam for a long time due to such a mindset. “If a message goes out that Assam is against Biharis, Marwaris, Gujaratis, and Tamils, how will the youth of Assam get jobs outside?”