The Central Government has issued a showcause notice under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, to the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and its affiliated factions, wings, and front organisations. The notice demands that ULFA provide justification for why it should not be declared an unlawful association for the next five years, effective from November 27, 2024.
This development follows the Gazette notification No. S.O. 5053(E) issued on November 25, 2024, reinforcing the government’s commitment to tackling insurgency and militancy in Assam and the Northeast region. ULFA has been granted 30 days from the receipt of the notice to submit a written explanation outlining reasons against its classification as an unlawful organisation.
The organisation has been instructed to file its objections or responses before the Register of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the Matter of the United Liberation Front of Asom.
Understanding the Showcause Notice and Its Implications
1. What Does the UAPA Notice Mean for ULFA?
The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), 1967, is India’s principal legislation for combating terrorism and secessionist activities. Under this act, the government can ban organisations, seize their assets, and detain their members if they are found to be engaging in unlawful or anti-national activities.
The showcause notice issued to ULFA and its affiliated factions indicates that the government is moving towards officially banning the organisation for a period of five years.
If ULFA fails to provide a convincing justification, the organisation will be legally classified as unlawful, making it illegal to be associated with or support the group in any capacity.
2. Why Has the Centre Issued a Showcause Notice to ULFA?
The ULFA has a long history of insurgency in Assam, dating back to 1979. The group has been involved in:
- Separatist movements demanding an independent Assam
- Militant activities including armed conflicts with security forces
- Alleged extortion and violence targeting individuals and businesses
The government has taken multiple measures to curb ULFA’s activities in recent years. However, the notice under UAPA signals a decisive action to legally curtail its influence and ensure the stability of Assam and the Northeast region.
The 30-Day Response Period: What Happens Next?
1. ULFA’s Possible Responses
ULFA has 30 days to respond to the showcause notice. It can:
- Submit a written justification contesting the allegations
- Present legal arguments to challenge its classification as an unlawful entity
- Request a hearing before the government authorities
Failure to respond within the stipulated time may result in an automatic classification of ULFA as an unlawful organisation under UAPA.
2. If Declared an Unlawful Association
If the government proceeds with the ban, the following actions can be expected:
- ULFA’s financial assets and resources can be frozen
- Members and sympathizers may face legal consequences under UAPA
- Security forces may intensify crackdowns on ULFA’s activities
- Increased surveillance on individuals and entities suspected of being linked to ULFA
Government’s Stand on Insurgency in Assam and Northeast India
1. Strengthening Law and Order
The Centre has consistently taken a hardline approach against insurgent groups in the Northeast. Over the past decade, various militant factions have been engaged in peace talks, leading to the signing of ceasefire agreements with groups such as:
- National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB)
- Karbi Anglong-based insurgent groups
- Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA)
The government’s objective is to ensure a peaceful and development-oriented Assam, free from insurgency and militant influence.
2. Development and Rehabilitation of Insurgents
Apart from legal measures like UAPA, the Centre and Assam Government have also focused on rehabilitating surrendered militants by:
- Offering financial aid and skill development programs
- Encouraging peace talks and negotiations
- Investing in economic and infrastructural development of the Northeast
ULFA’s ban would be another step in consolidating stability in Assam, ensuring that militant groups do not hinder the state’s economic progress.
Political and Public Reaction to the UAPA Notice Against ULFA
The UAPA showcause notice has received mixed reactions from various quarters:
1. Assam Government’s Response
The Assam Government, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, has been vocal about eliminating insurgency from the state. The government has actively pursued peace talks with ULFA (Pro-Talks Faction) while cracking down on the ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) faction led by Paresh Baruah.
CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has previously urged ULFA-I to lay down arms and engage in peace talks. However, the latest move under UAPA suggests that the government is not willing to compromise with militant elements who refuse to cooperate.
2. Security Forces’ Perspective
Security forces, including the Assam Police, Indian Army, and paramilitary units, have welcomed the move, stating that declaring ULFA an unlawful organisation would provide them with a strong legal framework to act against insurgent activities.
3. Civil Society and Public Opinion
While some sections of civil society and human rights activists argue for peaceful dialogue over banning, the majority public opinion in Assam supports strict action against ULFA to ensure peace and development.
The Centre’s showcause notice under UAPA marks a critical turning point in the fight against insurgency in Assam. With 30 days to respond, ULFA must decide its course of action—whether to contest the allegations or prepare for a potential ban.
If declared an unlawful organisation, the decision will have far-reaching consequences for ULFA, its members, and the political landscape of Assam. The move aligns with the government’s broader objective of ensuring a stable, insurgency-free Assam, paving the way for economic progress and long-term peace in the Northeast.