GUWAHATI — Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma stepped in to address public controversy surrounding remarks made by state minister Biswajit Daimary regarding the historical influence of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). The Chief Minister clarified that the comments applied exclusively to the peace-signatory faction led by Anup Chetia and not the outlawed insurgent group ULFA (Independent).
The political debate arose following an address by Daimary in Tinsukia district, where he highlighted the role of local ethnic communities and regional movements in shaping the state’s security landscape over past decades. The statements prompted opposition leaders, including Assam Mahila Congress president Meera Borthakur Goswami, to write to the Ministry of Home Affairs requesting official clarification on the state government’s position regarding proscribed organizations.
In response, Chief Minister Sarma confirmed that he reviewed the matter directly with the minister to prevent misunderstanding. He reiterated the administration’s clear policy boundary between reconciled factions that engaged in the formal peace process and active illegal organizations. The pro-talks ULFA faction previously executed a tripartite accord with central and state authorities, while the faction commanded by Paresh Baruah remains a designated anti-state organization under national security laws.
