New Delhi: The judicial tribunal reviewing the status of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has upheld the extension of the ban on the outfit for an additional five years, citing sufficient evidence of its continued involvement in unlawful and violent activities.
In a ruling dated May 21, Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati High Court, who presided over the tribunal, confirmed that ULFA — including all its factions, wings, and affiliated front organisations — will remain classified as an “unlawful association” under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
The renewed ban is effective from November 27, 2024.
During the proceedings, the Ministry of Home Affairs submitted comprehensive documentary evidence, stating that ULFA currently maintains a cadre strength of approximately 200–250 members operating from bases in Myanmar.
These operatives reportedly control around 200 weapons and are believed to be stationed in four major camps across the border.
According to government submissions, ULFA, led by Paresh Baruah, continues to advocate for a “sovereign Assam” and is pursuing this objective through armed rebellion. The outfit allegedly maintains operational and logistical ties with other insurgent groups in the region.
The Centre also informed the tribunal that ULFA has carried out multiple violent acts in recent years, including attacks on security forces and bomb explosions.
The group is also accused of boycotting national events in Assam and attempting to carry out disruptive actions on such occasions.
Data provided by the Assam government revealed that, over the past five years, 56 ULFA cadres and 177 associated individuals — including frontmen, overground workers, and sympathizers — have been arrested.
An additional 63 members have reportedly surrendered. Security forces have recovered 26 firearms, 515 rounds of ammunition, nine grenades, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs) during this period.
Further details submitted to the tribunal include 15 criminal cases registered against ULFA, with three resulting in charge sheets.
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These cases involve charges such as extortion, attempted murder, possession of illegal arms, conspiracy against the state, and other criminal activities.
The ULFA was first designated a banned organization in 1990, and the ban has been renewed periodically since.
The latest extension reinforces the central and state governments’ continued stance against insurgent violence and separatist threats in Assam.
