ULFA village to keep tryst with democracy

Jeraigaon, Asom, Mar 29 (UNI) The separatist ULFA chief Paresh Barua may be the best-known son of this village in Tinsukia district, but when it comes to elections, Jeraigaon comes out in force to vote and this year will not be any exception.

The only exception may be Miliki Barua, the octogenarian mother of Paresh Barua. Till now, at every election she had been the first one to reach the polling station to vote. However, she is disillusioned this time.

She wanted a ceasefire before the poll and the indication from her son was that it would be in place before the poll. But that was not to be and she has shown no interest in the polls.

However, irrespective of her mood, Jeraigaon will vote. The ULFA may not have anything to do with Indian democracy but in contrast Jeraigaon not only takes part in the democratic exercise but also actually enjoys being part of India.

The behaviour of the Jeraigaon villagers is quite peculiar. They come out in support of the ULFA every now and then, and demonstrate on the road, couple of kilometers away from Dinjan, the biggest army cantonment of upper Asom.

But when comes to vote, like all good Indian citizens, they all line up before the polling booths and quietly send a signal to ULFA to fall in line.

UNI MT NK SND1528