Skip to content Skip to navigation

ULFA(I) lashes out at Ravi Shankar

By AT News |

The United Liberation Front of Asom (I) had strongly criticized Ravi Shankar a day after the spiritual leader urged the north eastern rebels to shun the path of violence and offered to broker peace between the rebels and the government. In a hard hitting statement, ULFA(I) military head Paresh Baruah said he and his organization won't buy the word rehabilitation and that ULFA(I) would continue the struggle till it achieved the goal. We are leaving for our visitors the full text of the letter.


Major General Paresh Asom


Vice Chairman cum Chief of Staff United Liberation Front of Asom [Independent] United Liberation Force of Asom [Independent]


Dated‐08‐09‐2017


To


Mr. Ravi Shankar
Spiritual Leader of India


Your holiness Ravi Shankar,


Respected Spiritual Leader of India Mr. Ravi Shankar on behalf of United Liberation Front of Asom [ULFA‐Independent], I would like to address the issues you have discussed during your press briefing. Firstly the independence of sovereign Asom is the birth right of all indigenous people. A few terms you used in your briefing deeply offended our ideologies.


First of all word ‘rehabilitation’ is strong word to use against our ideologies and principles. Our arms struggle for a sovereign Assam does not need any form of rehabilitation, demanding our mother land which was forcefully occupied by Indian colonists is not an illness or a crime. We have repeatedly shared our concerns about your proposal of peace talks, we released multiple statements stating that we do not want to participate in any forms of peace talks unless the government of India is willing to take the independence of Assam into consideration and practice it in their constitution.


You have repeatedly asked us to join in the false, biased and ridiculous peace talks held by the Indian government. We would like decline your request again to join the ‘mainstream’ peace talks because we only follow the revolutionary stream that will lead to an Independent Asom.


You have raised concerns over our arms struggle, we have picked up arms in order to protect ourselves not to threaten any individual or sovereign nation. Our struggles would not have gained recognition from the colonial government of India or the world if we did not pick up arms for the independence of mother Asom. Our struggles will continue until our ultimate goal is achieved, I urge you not to ask us to lay down our arms in hope of your empty promises. I suggest you to stick to your pretentious religion and let us continue our journey to freedom. I wish you a wealthy, healthy and a very peaceful life.


[Major General Paresh Asom]
Vice Chairman cum Chief of Staff
United Liberation Front of Asom [Independent] 

Add new comment

Assamese Translator

Assam Times seeks English to Assamese translators!
Join our volunteer team.
Email editor@assamtimes.org.

Random Stories

BPF will win in Kokrajhar

17 Apr 2014 - 8:31pm | Hantigiri Narzary
BTC Chief Hagrama Mohilary, who is also BPF Supremo said that BPF candidate Chandan Brahma will win the election scheduled on April 24 with huge support of voters from irrespective caste and...

The anti dam protest in Assam turns violent

28 Dec 2011 - 2:31am | editor
Several persons sustained injury when security forces sprang upon then with lathis and teargas shells for the second day in Lakhimpur and Dhemaji districts. Police flogged the protesters when...

Memorial award to Apurba Kumar Saikia

3 Jan 2008 - 4:19am | Dibya J Borthakur
Dr Apurba Kumar Saikia, a noted short story writer of Assam, was conferred the Jadab Sarma Memorial award at the Chandra Prasad Saikia Kshetra at the Nagaon Book Fair ground recently. The award was...

Hindi-speaking people can’t be deprived of their right to vote

10 Aug 2008 - 4:21am | Nagendra Sarma
Health Minister Dr. Himant Biswa Sarma is reported to have said in a statement that the Hindi speaking people coming from the different states and living in Assam would also be tried under the Assam...

Other Contents by Author

Shillong Declaration: International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future Advocates Holistic Approach for Sustainable Development

In a landmark move, participants of the International Conclave on Water, Hill Lives, and Future, convened in Shillong on February 9th and 10th, 2024, have jointly adopted the "Shillong Declaration." This declaration underscores the critical interlinkages between water resources and hill ecosystems, emphasizing a holistic approach towards achieving sustainable development in these regions.   The vital role of water as a critical resource and the need for enhanced resilience around water in hilly terrains, as underscored by the declining water table and spring water levels, waning traditional water systems, retreating, and polluting rivers, changing rainfall patterns, increase...

Maru Manthan 2024: Forum Unites Global Efforts to Preserve Desert Ecosystem

Jaisalmer, Rajasthan: Today marks the commencement of the 3rd edition of Maru Manthan, a transformative forum orchestrated by the Desert Resource Centre and Urmul, in collaboration with desert communities. Held on February 9th and 10th, 2024, in the heart of Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, Maru Manthan stands as a beacon for celebrating the indomitable spirit of the desert and fostering sustainable solutions amidst its challenges. The forum draws together an illustrious lineup of organizations and individuals dedicated to desert conservation and community empowerment. Representatives from esteemed entities such as the Foundation for Ecological Security, Ministry of Lowlands & Irrigation (...

Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024: Celebrating Northeast India's Cultural Tapestry & Economic Opportunities

The 'Uttar Purvi Mahotsav 2024', a five-day cultural extravaganza showcasing Northeast India's richness, kicks off on January 13 at Bharat Mandapam. Organized by the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and NEHHDC, the festival aims to display diverse arts, crafts, and cultures, fostering economic opportunities. With 250 participants including weavers, farmers, and entrepreneurs, the event features panel discussions, buyer-seller meets, traditional performances, and a focus on women's roles in regional development. Highlighting the youth's contribution and challenges, the festival aims to explore how they can shape India's economic landscape. Additionally, specialized...

Youth Leaders in Assam Trained to Combat Plastic Pollution

In a bid to empower the youth against the perils of single-use plastics, the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Challenge made significant strides in Assam. The WWF-India, alongside UNEP, orchestrated a pivotal Teachers’ Training Program on December 19th, 2023, at Maharishi Vidya Mandir Senior Secondary School in Silpukhuri. This initiative, a global endeavor ongoing since 2019, aims to cultivate leadership qualities among the youth to combat the menace of plastic pollution. WWF-India has taken the helm as the knowledge and implementing partner, customizing and executing the program's intricacies across the country. The training session witnessed the active participation of teachers from 37...

Indigenous Communities in Assam and Northeast India Mark International Human Rights Day

December 10, 2023, saw the Indigenous Peoples'  of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, Northeast, joined by the Jatiatabad Punar Nirman Samiti, observe World Human Rights Day in diverse regions of the state. The programme was held at Guwahati Press Club. A discussion titled "Human Rights and Northeast Region" was arranged. Notable speakers, including Pradeep Gogoi, Vice President of the ULFA (Discussion faction), L. Khongsai, President of Assam Kuki Welfare Society, N.G. Sanahaal Singha, President of Assam Manipuri Students' Association, Mrinal Gohain, Thinker, Meishnam Bhagat Singha, Paotinlen Chongloui, human rights activist, Shaheen Ahmed, academic and researcher, Rajkumar Baishya,...

Indigenous Peoples of North East India Unite, Advocate for Rights at Assam Divas Observance

Guwahati: The Indigenous peoples of Mung-Dun-Chun-Kham, Assam, North East India (IPMDCKANEI) came together on Assam Divas (Sukafa Divas) to address critical issues impacting their communities. Held at the Conference Hall, Media Trust', Rup Nagar, Guwahati, the day-long program included a significant round table conference featuring ethnic activists from Assam, Tripura, Manipur, and Nagaland. The event commenced with tributes to historical figures, Chao Pha Chao lung Sukafa and Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, followed by intense discussions on the challenges confronting indigenous groups in North East India. Representatives from various organizations including the United Bodo Peoples...

North East India Unites for Free-Flowing Rivers: Teesta Declaration Highlights Environmental Concerns

Representatives from various indigenous groups and environmental organizations convened in Gangtok, Sikkim, for the North East India Meet on Free Flowing Rivers. The gathering, hosted by the Affected Citizens of Teesta, Centre for Research and Advocacy (Manipur), and the Borok Peoples Human Rights Organization, concluded with a significant resolution aimed at safeguarding the region's rivers and biodiversity. "We recognize the intrinsic rights of rivers to flow freely and the vital relationship between indigenous communities and their natural resources," emphasized a spokesperson from the conference. The Teesta Declaration outlined pressing concerns regarding the construction of...

Flyover Construction Threatens Guwahati Press Club; Journalists' Forum Appeals for Separate Arrangement

Guwahati: The commencement of preliminary work on the flyover linking the Dighalipukhuri point with the Bamunimaidan area has sparked concerns among the media fraternity in Guwahati. The ongoing development, anticipated to be the longest flyover in Assam stretching over six kilometers and set for completion by 2026, has raised issues for the city's Press Club situated in the Ambari locality. As construction gears up, the Press Club faces a significant reduction in its working space due to the flyover's expansion. This reduction is poised to create parking challenges for members and visitors alike during and after the construction phase, prompting the Journalists' Forum Assam (JFA) to...

Women of Lamka in Manipur crying out for justice on the occasion of 16 Days activism on Violence against women

In a resolute display of solidarity and resilience, over 5,000 women hailing from the Kuki-Zomi-Hmar-Mizo communities congregated at Peace Ground, Tuibuong, Lamka, Churachandpur in Manipur, kickstarting the annual 16 Days Activism on Violence Against Women. Orchestrated by the Women of Lamka, the event was a fervent call for justice and a poignant outcry against the distressing instances of gender-based violence (GBV) that have plagued the state. Led by the indomitable Ngaineikim from Kuki Women organization for human rights, the program's inauguration was a tapestry of impassioned speeches, stirring presentations, and solemn moments dedicated to the victims. Distinguished figures such...

JFA Urges Unity Amidst Verbal Attacks on Journalists: Calls for Media Solidarity and Integrity

Guwahati: The Journalists’ Forum Assam (JFA) has voiced its deep concern regarding the recent surge in verbal assaults on journalists by various individuals. In response, the forum calls upon the State's media community to stand united in the face of adversity. In a released statement, the forum highlighted the disparaging remarks made by AIUDF chief Badruddin Ajmal towards video journalists, where he suggested that they should face physical violence. “While we vehemently denounce Ajmal's stance and urge for appropriate actions against the politician, we implore media professionals to demonstrate unity, integrity, and professionalism in their workplaces,” remarked JFA president Rupam...