“ULFA’s demand for Swadhin Asom was not merely a local issue but an important factor in the broader discourse on identity, autonomy, and peace in the region.” Analyse.

The demand for Swadhin Asom by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) is rooted in historical grievances and a sense of identity. The ULFA argues that Assam was never an integral part of India, citing the Treaty of Yanbadu and the subsequent British colonial rule as decisive moments that disrupted Assam’s sovereignty. This claim is founded on the belief that Assam has a distinct cultural and historical identity that warrants self-determination. Current status of the peace process in Assam reveals a complex landscape. The Government of India has engaged in dialogues with various factions of ULFA, particularly after the signing of the Assam Accord in 1985, which aimed to address the concerns of Assamese youth and provide a framework for peace. However, the ULFA’s hardline faction remains adamant about its demand for independence, complicating negotiations and efforts for lasting peace.

• The peace process has seen intermittent negotiations, but progress is often hindered by internal divisions within ULFA.
• Recent developments include the disbanding of some factions and the surrender of militants, indicating a shift towards reconciliation.
• However, the core ideological divides persist, with ULFA’s leadership steadfast in their aspirations for Swadhin Asom.

The implications of ULFA’s demand extend beyond Assam, influencing regional stability. A successful resolution could serve as a model for conflict resolution in other insurgency-affected areas. Conversely, failure to address ULFA’s concerns may lead to renewed violence, further complicating the socio-political landscape of the Northeast.