Assam: Youth from Moran joins ULFA-I

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 30, 2023 | Dhupali Das

A young man from Assam, identified as Palash Konwar from Damoikhati in Borpathar, Dibrugarh District, has reportedly joined the banned militant outfit ULFA-I...

Digital Desk: In a deeply concerning development, a young man from Assam, identified as Palash Konwar from Damoikhati in Borpathar, Dibrugarh District, has reportedly joined the banned militant outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I). This incident follows a warning issued by Assam's Director General of Police (DGP), GP Singh, against youths getting involved with such outlawed groups.

A video of Palash Konwar joining ULFA-I has been widely circulating on social media platforms, where he unequivocally pledges his allegiance to the group, raising alarm bells across the state.

The news of Konwar's involvement with ULFA-I has sent shockwaves through his family, who have passionately appealed to the outfit's Commander-in-Chief, Paresh Baruah, for his safe return. Palash's family is desperately hoping for his release and safe reintegration into society, fearing for his life and well-being.

In a related incident, it has come to light that a youth from Bajali district, who had previously joined ULFA-I in 2022, was reportedly executed for attempting to escape the group's camp in Myanmar. The deceased, identified as Pranab Axom, alias Abhilash Kalita, had allegedly made an escape attempt alongside another member, Deep Axom, known as Tanmoy Bora. Their actions led to the imposition of death sentences by ULFA-I.

The tragic fate of Pranab Axom has left his family in anguish, and they have reached out to Paresh Baruah, the ULFA-I leader, for clarification regarding the circumstances surrounding their son's execution. Additionally, they have drawn attention to the deplorable living conditions within the ULFA-I camp, where cadres are purportedly subsisting on meager rations of 'Parimal Rice' and 'Lai Xaak,' a local leafy vegetable, served only twice daily.

The developments have underscored the complex and fragile security situation in Assam, despite numerous efforts by the state government and law enforcement agencies to prevent the recruitment and radicalization of young individuals by militant groups.

Assam's DGP, GP Singh, had earlier issued stern warnings, urging young people not to be swayed by the allure of militant outfits and to instead choose peaceful paths for a brighter future. However, despite these efforts, the recent incidents demonstrate the continued appeal of such groups, which continue to pose a significant challenge to the state's security.

The Assam government and law enforcement agencies now face the pressing challenge of preventing further recruitment of the state's youth into these banned outfits while also working to ensure the safe return and rehabilitation of those who have already joined such groups. The plight of Palash Konwar and the tragic end of Pranab Axom only serve to underline the urgent need for concerted efforts to address this grave issue and provide young people with better opportunities for their future.