ULFA-I threat against BJP leader Gaurav Somani, saying "Withdraw FIR against Shrinkhal Chaliha"

Digital Desk: In a significant development, the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) has issued a stern demand for the immediate withdrawal of a complaint filed against Bir Lachit Sena leader Shrinkhal Chaliha.

This demand came hours after Gaurav Somani, a BJP leader from Assam, lodged an FIR against Chaliha at the Dispur Police Station in Guwahati. The FIR charges Chaliha with promoting hatred based on language and race, thus endangering the peace and harmony of the state.

The banned militant outfit, ULFA-I, in a press statement released on Monday, warned of serious consequences if the complaint is not withdrawn. The group cautioned that failure to retract the FIR could lead to a "grave situation" in Assam, placing the responsibility on the Assam Police for any potential fallout. The statement also implied that the entire non-Assamese community in the state could face repercussions as a result of Somani’s actions.

The ULFA-I’s statement further drew attention to an incident that occurred on 13th August 2024 in Sivasagar, where a local woman was allegedly assaulted by a group of non-Assamese businessmen. The outfit highlighted this incident as a key factor leading to the democratic protests by local organisations and indigenous people, emphasising that such protests are the moral right of every citizen.

The complaint by Gaurav Somani alleges that Shrinkhal Chaliha, during a speech broadcasted by the a news channel, made incendiary remarks against the Marwari, Bhojpuri, Bengali, and other communities residing in Assam. Somani contended that Chaliha's statements, which he came across while browsing social media, were intended to incite hatred and threaten these communities.

As tensions escalate, the situation in Assam remains volatile, with the ULFA-I’s ultimatum adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing unrest. The coming days will be critical in deciding whether the FIR will be withdrawn or if Assam is headed towards further instability.