Guwahati, July 16: The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) has raised serious concerns over the recent reported attack on a United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) [ULFA(I)] camp in Myanmar, warning that such incidents risk derailing Assam’s fragile peace process.
In a press statement issued on Tuesday, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi and general secretary Jagadish Bhuyan condemned the incident and criticised the Assam government for what they described as a failure to take meaningful steps toward dialogue with the banned outfit.
“We are concerned about the incident of attack on a ULFA(I) camp. This event has the potential to derail the ongoing peace process in the state,” the statement read. The party urged that the peace process be protected from setbacks and called for a “dignified political resolution” to the ULFA(I) issue.
The AJP pointed to the state government’s inaction following the December 29, 2023, tripartite peace accord with pro-talk factions of ULFA, which Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had hailed as a “major step” toward broader negotiations, including with the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA(I). The AJP leaders said that, since then, the state government had failed to initiate any concrete steps to bring ULFA(I) to the table.
“His indifference even after such a serious development reveals his weakness in dealing with the issue and also reflects his diminished influence and relevance before the Centre,” the party said, referring to Sarma’s silence following the reported attack.
The AJP reiterated its commitment to a peaceful and inclusive solution to Assam’s insurgency problem. “We do not want the peace process in Assam to be derailed. To ensure lasting peace, a respectful political solution to the ULFA(I) issue is essential,” the statement said.
Emphasising that peace cannot be achieved through force or neglect, the party called for a political approach rooted in dialogue, dignity, and sustained engagement with all stakeholders.
