Assam minister Biswajit Daimary's ULFA praise sparks row; CM clarifies

Assam Sports Minister Biswajit Daimary is facing criticism over remarks in which he appeared to praise the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), prompting Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to step in with a clarification on Thursday.

What the minister said

Speaking at a public programme in Tinsukia district on Wednesday, Daimary described ULFA as a strong force that had shaped Assam's political course over the past five decades. He said the outfit had played a part in stopping outsiders from taking control of the state and, while conceding that some of its actions had drawn criticism, argued that its place in Assam's history should be acknowledged.

He also spoke about the role of the Moran and Muttock communities in the organisation, saying members of these communities had made a large contribution to its leadership.

A video of the speech spread on social media, raising questions about a minister appearing to praise an organisation associated with a long armed insurgency.

Chief Minister's clarification

Responding in Tinsukia on Thursday, Sarma said he had spoken to Daimary about the context of the remarks. According to the Chief Minister, Daimary was referring to the ULFA faction led by Anup Chetia, which came forward for talks and signed a peace agreement with the government, and not to the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA (Independent), which remains banned.

The pro-talks faction signed a tripartite peace accord with the Centre and the Assam government in December 2023, after which it was formally disbanded. ULFA (I) continues to be outlawed under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

Congress seeks explanation

The Assam Pradesh Mahila Congress has demanded an explanation from the minister. Its leader Meera Borthakur Goswami has written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pointing out that ULFA is banned under the UAPA and asking the Centre to examine the full speech. She also asked whether the remarks reflected the state government's official position.

Daimary has not issued a separate public statement on the controversy so far. NEInsider will update this story if the minister or the Centre responds to the Congress letter.