Guwahati, 24th November: News emerges as Bubul Handique, also known as Golap Asom, a senior leader of the banned militant outfit United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) ULFA (I), has reportedly died in a camp in Myanmar. Golap Asom, a resident of Mahmora Bhaluka village in Assam’s Charaideo district, was a prominent figure within the ULFA (I) ranks.
This news follows the recent internal turmoil within ULFA (I), marked by the outfit awarding capital punishment to two of its senior members in October for allegedly engaging in activities against the group. Among them, Lachit Hazarika, alias Brigadier Salim Asom, faced execution in Myanmar’s Sagain area in Hachi camp on September 20. Additionally, Bornali, a boxer from Tinsukia who joined the outfit in 2021, received the death penalty.
Golap Asom’s demise adds to the challenges faced by ULFA (I), which has been grappling with internal discord and leadership issues. The outfit, led by Paresh Baruah, has been active since the 1990s, advocating for Assam’s independence.
The circumstances surrounding Golap Asom’s death remain unclear, but it underscores the complex dynamics within ULFA (I) and raises questions about the group’s internal cohesion. The loss of another senior leader may further impact the outfit’s operational capabilities and internal stability. Authorities will likely monitor the situation closely for potential shifts in ULFA (I)’s activities in the aftermath of Golap Asom’s passing.