ULFA Disbanded After 44 Years, Renounces Violence

The pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has formally disbanded, marking the end of a 44-year insurgency in Assam. The decision was taken at a meeting held in Darrang district, in line with a tripartite agreement signed with the central and state governments.

In a significant development, the pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has formally disbanded, marking the end of its 44-year-long existence. The decision was taken at a meeting of the organization held in Assam's Darrang district on Tuesday, January 24, 2023.

Tripartite Agreement and Disbandment

The disbandment of ULFA comes as a result of a tripartite agreement signed on December 29, 2022, between the central and state governments and the ULFA. According to one of the clauses of the pact, ULFA agreed to renounce violence, surrender all arms and ammunition, and disband the organization within a month.

Monitoring Committee and Socio-Cultural Organization

To ensure the implementation of the various clauses of the tripartite agreement, a seven-member monitoring committee has been formed, with ULFA's General Secretary Anup Chetia serving as its convenor. Additionally, a socio-cultural organization named Asom Jatiya Bikash Mancha will be established to protect the cultural and linguistic identity of the society.

Rehabilitation of Cadres and Camp Vacations

The meeting also discussed the rehabilitation of ULFA cadres and their involvement in productive economic activities. The outfit will have to vacate all nine designated camps where its cadres and their families have been staying since coming for talks in 2011. The arms and ammunition will be handed over to the state government in a formal ceremony later this month.

Ex-Gratia Payment and Withdrawal of Cases

As part of the tripartite agreement, ULFA cadres will receive an ex-gratia payment, funding for their economic and vocational training, and government jobs based on eligibility. Furthermore, criminal cases registered against the cadres for non-heinous crimes will be withdrawn.

ULFA's Formation and Split

The ULFA was formed on April 7, 1979, in Sivasagar by a group of 20 youths from Upper Assam districts with the aim of establishing a sovereign Assam through an armed struggle. However, the outfit split in 2011 when the top leadership, including Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, returned to Assam from a neighboring country and agreed to hold talks without the sovereignty clause. They submitted a 12-point charter of demands to the central government.

ULFA Independent Remains Firm on Sovereignty

While the pro-talk faction of ULFA has disbanded, another faction known as ULFA Independent, led by Paresh Barua, remains firm on the demand for sovereignty and has yet to come for talks.

Conclusion

The disbandment of the pro-talk ULFA marks a significant milestone in the history of Assam's insurgency. The organization's decision to renounce violence and embrace peace paves the way for a new era of development and progress in the state. The socio-cultural organization formed by ULFA will play a vital role in preserving the cultural heritage and identity of Assam.