Guwahati: New Delhi has extended the proscription on the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for an additional five years, a move that comes despite the group having been outlawed for over three decades. A judicial tribunal, after reviewing extensive government submissions, confirmed the necessity of the ban, effective from November 27, 2024.
The decision was handed down by a tribunal presided over by Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati High Court on May 21. The tribunal found sufficient cause to declare ULFA, along with all its splinter groups, wings, and front organisations, as an “unlawful association,” citing ongoing threats to peace and security.
Government representatives presented a detailed case before the tribunal, highlighting that the Paresh Baruah-led faction of ULFA continues its demand for a “sovereign” Assam, intending to achieve this objective through armed struggle. The Ministry of Home Affairs notification stated that intelligence indicates the majority of ULFA cadres and leaders are currently stationed in Myanmar, operating four major camps and maintaining operational and logistical ties with other insurgent groups in India.
The submissions revealed that ULFA possesses a significant cadre strength, estimated between 200-250, and holds approximately 200 weapons. The outfit is reportedly involved in acts of violence, including assaults on security forces and orchestrating explosions. Furthermore, it continues to call for boycotts of national day celebrations in Assam, often attempting disruptive acts through blasts during these periods.
The Assam government’s report to the tribunal also provided data from the past five years, indicating the arrest of 56 ULFA cadres along with 177 frontmen, over-ground workers (OGWs), supporters, or sympathisers. During the same period, 63 cadres surrendered to the authorities. Recoveries included 26 arms, 515 rounds of ammunition, nine grenades, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).
The central government’s counsels further detailed that the Assam government had furnished comprehensive justifications for declaring ULFA unlawful, including specifics of registered cases, charge sheets filed, and arrests of both cadres and their associates. Fifteen cases registered against ULFA were brought to the tribunal’s attention, with three charge sheets already filed. A review of these charge sheets confirmed ULFA’s indulgence in extortion, attempted murder, illegal arms possession, and conspiracy against the State, among other illicit activities.
ULFA was first designated a banned organisation in 1990, and the prohibition has been systematically extended ever since, reflecting the persistent assessment of its unlawful activities.
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