Intellectuals welcome the surrender of ULFA militants in Assam

Assamese have welcomed the come back of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres to the main stream of society.

By Peter Alex Todd

Guwahati, Nov 24 : Assamese have welcomed the come back of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) cadres to the main stream of society.

Cross sections of the society feel that the cadres return to the path of peace is not only a rejection of the ULFA but also their ideology of violence and separatism."One thing they have said is free Assam, why not a free world. They mean an independent Assam, why not an independent world, where everyone will live in peace and will get a piece of bread daily. Look at Africa, people don't get to eat for 9 to 10 days. Instead of thinking of free Assam, let us think for free world," said J P Das, a musician.

The ULFA says it is fighting for Assam's independence, which is rich in oil, natural gas and tea. It accuses Centre of taking away its mineral and forest resources while neglecting the local population.

"Living in peace" this has been the desire of the Assamese people and cadres, who went astray and have now, realized how important it is, to shed the guns and pledge their lives for peace.

Around 300 cadres have returned home to lead a normal life. They have realized the utter waste in fighting for a cause which only serves the personal interests of the top leadership of the militant outfit, at the expense of the general well being of the Assamese society and economy.

"I think these are the very positive signs. Once the cadres come in, the militant organizations strength goes down. There is an all around hope that they will sit for the negotiations and will sort out the differences," said A Borthakur, Official of the Financial Institute of North Eastern Region.

Anupam Nath, a poet added, "They are our children. They went for some reason and even lately they have come to realize that nothing is going their way."

When the talks with the representatives of the ULFA began a year ago, it was hailed as a positive sign by all. Even cadres were expecting a breakthrough; but the cussed approach of the militant leaders, torpedoed the whole peace process.

Low rung cadres were expecting to return to normal life after the talks but that didn't happen. Their coming back is a defiance to the ULFA leadership and this they openly declare.

"Both, the government and the Ultras are playing a very depressing role. They are depressing the people and ultimately it seems that people are not concerned about the government. No body is giving any importance, even than also, the blood should be stopped," Das said.

A signature campaign recently launched demonstrates the people's support for development and normalcy. They know that the world is moving at a rapid pace and life is changing for the betterment of the masses. However, violence and separatist activities come in the way.

This fact is recognised by the people and also by the cadres who were once advocating violence and separatism.

ANI