Guwahati, Jan 31: The United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) [ULFA-I] has issued a strong warning to Jorhat police, demanding the immediate release of six members of Bir Lachit Sena who were detained for protesting against the presence of a nude Jain monk in Jorhat town on Thursday. The militant outfit threatened that if the detainees were not released, the Marwari community in Assam would face consequences.
The six protesters were taken into custody for objecting to the public presence of a Digambar Jain monk, a practice associated with the Jain religious tradition, which involves renouncing clothing as a symbol of spiritual detachment.
In a statement issued on Friday, ULFA-I’s assistant secretary (publicity), “2nd lieutenant” Ishan Asom, accused “anti-Assam forces” of attempting to impose “Indian religious customs” on Assamese society.
“Assam’s art, culture, tradition, and heritage are unique and distinct from mainstream India. Certain elements are trying to introduce this naked religious culture into Assamese society, which is unacceptable to the indigenous people of Assam,” the statement read.
The outfit demanded unconditional release of the arrested protesters and issued a direct warning to the Marwari community in Assam, stating that they would face repercussions if the demand was not met.
The ULFA-I further urged the Kamakhya Debuttar Board to prevent nude individuals from entering Assam, especially during the upcoming Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple. The group warned that if their demand was ignored, they would obstruct all other religious celebrations at the temple.
Additionally, ULFA-I threatened individuals and organizations against bringing nude persons into Assam, stating that failure to comply would result in direct action against both the individual and the nude person.
The controversial statement has sparked concerns over religious intolerance and social tensions in Assam. The police and state authorities are yet to respond to the threats and warnings issued by ULFA-I.
