Peace rally in Guwahati

Guwahati, Mar 2 (ANI): Hundreds of people in Assam took part in a campaign against non-violence and vow to establish peace in region.

Participants, many of whom are victims of ethnic violence said that they yearned for peace and normalcy.

The campaign was launched under 'Aashwas', a project of Assam Police that works for the upliftment of the children affected by militancy, insurgency and violence.

"This is anti-violence advocacy. We don't want that more children of Assam should suffer. So many people have suffered for years. People feel pity for them when they listen to their experiences. So, we are taking out a peace rally," said Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta, Inspector General of Police, Law and Order.

Later, a candle light procession was organised.

United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), which has been fighting for the independence of Assamese people in a conflict that began almost three decades ago and has killed thousands of people has been behind many incidents of violence.

ULFA has been fighting for independence for Assam since 1979 and accuses New Delhi of exploiting the state's resources and doing little to develop the province.

It also accuses non-Assamese people of plundering the state's resources and spoiling its culture.

More than 20,000 people have been killed so far in the ULFA insurgency. (ANI)