Guwahati, 27 May (HS): The central government has once again declared the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) a banned organization. The tribunal has said in its verdict that 200 to 250 armed cadres of this organization are still active in Myanmar and this organization is involved in anti-India activities.

The tribunal headed by Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati High Court gave this verdict on May 21. On the basis of documents and evidence presented by the government, the tribunal said that ULFA and all its factions, branches and front organizations fall under the definition of 'unlawful association'. This ban will be effective from November 27, 2024 and will remain in force for five years.

The notification issued by the Home Ministry said that the ULFA still runs four major camps in Myanmar and also collaborates with Indian militant organisations. The organisation is estimated to have around 200 weapons and is involved in violent activities like bomb blasts on national festivals and attacks on security forces.

During the hearing, the government argued that the ULFA, led by Paresh Barua, demands 'sovereign Assam' and wants to achieve it through armed struggle.

The Assam government said in its report that 56 ULFA cadres, 177 supporters or overground workers have been arrested in the last five years, while 63 cadres have surrendered. During this period, the security forces recovered 26 weapons, 515 rounds of cartridges, 9 grenades and two IEDs.

Out of the 15 cases registered against the ULFA, charge sheets have been filed in three. These cases include serious charges like extortion, attempt to murder, possession of illegal weapons and anti-national conspiracy.

It is noteworthy that ULFA was first declared banned in 1990. Since then, the ban on it has been extended from time to time.--------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Sriprakash