Assam police launches trust-building initiative to bring back ULFA cadres home
The Director General of Police (DGP) for Assam, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, recently unveiled a noteworthy initiative aimed at reconnecting with families of individuals who had joined the banned militant group United Liberation Front of Assam Independent (ULFA-I). This crucial information was shared by the DGP through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter). The initiative, as articulated by Singh, focuses on establishing a foundation of trust with the families of ULFA cadres, ultimately intending to facilitate the return of these individuals to mainstream society.
The overarching strategy involves inviting families to Army and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) camps and police stations for trust-building sessions. Termed “From Conflict to Collaboration,” the initiative seeks to address the delicate situation of Assam’s youth being influenced by extremist ideologies. By bridging the gap between security forces and ULFA cadres’ families, the program aims to create a platform for mutual respect and understanding.
The three primary objectives of this initiative, as outlined by the DGP, are filling the communication gap between security forces and the families of ULFA cadres, establishing a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, and encouraging rehabilitation and reintegration of these individuals into mainstream society. The emphasis on peace and reconciliation underscores the broader goal of fostering a harmonious environment in the region.
The backdrop for this initiative is the growing concern over Assam’s youth joining ULFA-I, particularly in recent years, with suspicions that many have been taken to remote areas of Myanmar. The initiative not only aims to address the immediate issue of reintegration but also seeks to dissuade young individuals from joining extremist groups. The engagement with families is a crucial aspect of the program, considering that several were unaware of their children’s involvement with ULFA-I. Many families, having attended the trust-building meetings, expressed a strong desire for the return of their children.
The initiative comes in the wake of a tragic incident where ULFA-I executed four cadres, including a senior political leader, a lady, and two youths, alleging disobedience of their constitution by attempting to flee their camps in Myanmar. This incident prompted the DGP to emphasize the dire conditions in ULFA-I camps, questioning the sacrifice of young lives for what he termed an “ungrateful tyrant.”
In response to this incident, at least six youths have returned home and surrendered before the police, marking a shift in the trajectory of their lives. The initiative reflects a multifaceted approach, addressing immediate concerns of reintegration while also focusing on preventative measures to dissuade Assam’s youth from getting involved in extremist activities.