ULFA faction fears sabotage during Lok Sabha elections

Guwahati, March 4 (ANI): The 'pro-talk' group of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which declared a unilateral ceasefire with the government, has warned of efforts at disruption during scheduled Lok Sabha election in Assam by the parent group of ULFA.

United Liberation of Front of Assom (ULFA) is presently divided into the 'Pro-talk' and the 'Anti-talk' groups.

'Pro-talks' leaders have given assurance of morally supporting those political outfits who promise security in the region.

"We will not be following any direct rule but the parties whose viewpoints are identical to the public of Assam, whose manifesto would include security issue of the state and who would work for the public of Assam, we would morally support them," said Mrinal Hazarika, the Chairman of ULFA Pro-talk central committee.

"There is possibility of sabotage. But for this, there is no public support. This is not good. ULFA might create sabotage at two to three places. So sabotage is possible but motivating the people to support any party will not happen," said Jiten Dutta, General secretary of the ULFA Pro-talk central committee.

Since 1991, ULFA has influenced elections in Assam, and political parties backed by them have benefited. However, analysts fear that as ULFA's influence has been waning over the years; they could go in for strong-arm tactics in the upcoming elections.

"Keeping in mind that their support base in Bangladesh is coming down. So as a survival question there is possibility that ULFA might go for some kind of explosions or they might go for selective killing also. So that possibility cannot be ruled out," said Dr. Noni Gopal Mahanta, a political analyst in Assam.

With declining support and lack of funds, ULFA has resorted to violent activities like killings and extortions to make its presence felt.

Over 20,000 people have been killed so far in the ULFA insurgency. By Peter Alex Todd (ANI)