No takers for ULFA ideology in birthplace Sibsagar

GUWAHATI - The United Liberation Front of Asom’s (ULFA) ideology and its violent activities have no takers in Assam’s Sibasagar -its birthplace.

What people want here, like the rest of the state, is peace and development.

This is possible only if the ULFA decides to come forward for talks with the Union Government.

Since the arrest of top ULFA commanders in December last year, the Assamese have a reason to feel more optimistic.

They foresee a peaceful and progressive Assam, like other states in the country.

“There is peace in Assam. Now ULFA is showing interest for cooperation, so they will also have to give us importance, and how to cooperate in all sectors of life,” said Amit Das, a local usinessman

“For peace negotiation is a must, the ongoing peace process being taken up by both parties is a welcoming one. Now we hope that there will be no more bomb blast; no more Army killing ULFA and ULFA killing Army,” said Ranjit, a local trader.

“For the past 30 years, there has been unrest, we want there should be peace. Tourism is increasing, and militancy has gone down. It is not like that ULFA was born here, so tourist won’t come here, this place is still at peace,” said Diganta Das, a local.

Tourists come to Sibsagar from across India and abroad to see the 200-year-old Sibsagar Tank and Rang Ghar, the oldest amphitheater in Asia.

Once a hotbed of militancy, Sibsagar now is a tourist hotspot.

“I am seeing that the place I have visited here is quite peaceful, and whatever people say it is a beautiful place,” said Chandon Hazarika, a local.

“I came to see Rangghar, it’s a beautiful place and many historical places are there and there is no problem here. Some people think of ULFA, but they should not fear them,” said Manoj Dutta, a tourist

The consensus in Assam is that ULFA should talk to the Union Government.

The government on its part is taking every possible initiative to bring the ULFA to negotiating table.

The people of Assam have suffered a lot in the last three decades of militancy.

Whether it is Sibasagar, the birthplace of ULFA or any other part of Assam, there is one common theme - peace.

If there is peace there will be economic growth. And this is what the people want. (ANI)