Militant groups adopt contradictory stances in Asom polls

Guwahati, Apr 10 (UNI) The four leading militant organisations in Asom adopted contradictory positions during the second and final phase of polling today, with one participating, two remaining mute spectators and only one trying to hamper the exercise.

The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), undertaking indirect talks with the Centre through its appointed group, and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), which have entered into a cease fire agreement with the government, had announced their ''neutrality'' in the poll process.

This was the maiden time that the ULFA had not given a poll boycott call since its inception. Both groups stuck to their word.

However, the proscribed Karbi Longri North Cachar Liberation Front (KLNLF) proved to be the eyesore with the outfit not only giving a boycott call in the hill district of Karbi Anglong, but also engaging in violent activities.

The KLNLF militants abducted one CRPF jawan and shot another in separate incidents. Two BSF personnel were also injured in an IED blast, triggered by the ultras.

However, cadres of the Dima Halam Daogah (DHD) participated in the poll process As many as 87 activists of the group exercised their franchise in two booths at Haflong in south Asom and Dhansiri area of Diphu constituency in central Asom.

Chairman of the outfit Dilip Nunisa led the cadres to the polling booths. Reasserting their belief in the democratic process, the cadres voted for peace and progress of the region.

UNI XC-SG PC VD VC1910