Assamese Separatist Movement

The Assamese Separatist Movement is a result of Assamese nationalism.[1] The alleged neglect and economic exploitation by the Indian state are the main reasons behind the growth of this secessionist movement. Both sides - the ULFA and the Indian state are unwilling to compromise on sovereignty and the common people of Assam has been paying the price for it.[2]

The United Liberation Front of Asom seeks to establish a sovereign Assam via an armed struggle in the Assam conflict. The Government of India had banned the organization in 1990 and classifies it as a terrorist group, while the US State Department lists it under "Other groups of concern".

ULFA claims to have been founded at the site of Rang Ghar on April 7, 1979, a historic structure from the Ahom kingdom. Military operations against it by the Indian Army that began in 1990 continues till present.[3] In the past two decades some 30,000 people have died[4] in the clash between the rebels and the government.

Though Assamese nationalism is a strong and popular sentiment, it is disputed if the secessionist movement enjoys popular support any longer.[2] On the other hand, strong Assamese nationalism can be found in Assamese literature and culture. The neglect and exploitation by the Indian state are common refrains in the Assamese-language media.[5] There are instances when even the ULFA leaders are seen as saviors.[6]

Internationally acclaimed Assamese novelist Indira Goswami has been trying to broker peace[7][8][9] for several years between the rebels and the government.[10] In a recent development the Hiren Gohain,[11][12] a public intellectual has stepped in to expedite the process.

See also

References

  1. ^ http://www.apcss.org/Publications/Edited%20Volumes/ReligiousRadicalism/PagesfromReligiousRadicalismandSecurityinSouthAsiach10.pdf
  2. ^ a b “”. "People & Power - Bloody Tea - 30 May 07 - Part 2". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zP2JVQATGz0. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  3. ^ "Where Have They All Gone? | Assam Portal". Assam.org. http://www.assam.org/node/2382. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  4. ^ "The Sentinel". Sentinelassam.com. http://www.sentinelassam.com/mainnews/story.php?sec=1&subsec=0&id=34300&dtP=2010-04-25&ppr=1#34300. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  5. ^ "The Assam conflict: a failure of the press". openDemocracy. 2010-07-29. http://www.opendemocracy.net/aruni-kashyap/assam. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  6. ^ "India needs talks for Assam's peace | Aruni Kashyap | Comment is free | guardian.co.uk". Guardian. 2010-01-19. http://www.guardian.co.uk/commentisfree/2010/may/19/assam-independence-talks-india. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  7. ^ "National : Indira Goswami makes fresh attempt at brokering peace". The Hindu. 2007-06-29. http://www.hindu.com/2007/06/29/stories/2007062959711400.htm. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  8. ^ "Prince Clasu Award Indira Goswami". Princeclausfund.org. 2007-06-29. http://www.princeclausfund.org/nl/what_we_do/awards/PrinceClasuAwardIndiraGoswami.shtml. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  9. ^ "Conflict and Peace in India's Northeast: The Role of Civil Society" (PDF). http://www.eastwestcenter.org/fileadmin/stored/pdfs/ps042.pdf. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  10. ^ http://www.ipcs.org/pdf_file/issue/1216409026IB40-WasirHussainr-SustainingPeaceProcessinAssam.pdf
  11. ^ TI Trade (2010-10-13). "The Assam Tribune Online". Assamtribune.com. http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/detailsnew.asp?id=oct1310/at094. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  12. ^ "Peace interlocutor meets ULFA leaders in Guwahati jail". Sify.com. 2010-10-21. http://sify.com/news/peace-interlocutor-meets-ulfa-leaders-in-guwahati-jail-news-national-kkvsafeajfi.html. Retrieved 2010-11-07. 
  13. ^ a b "Assam: Police kill at least 10 during protest against Indian Army murder". Wsws.org. 2006-02-20. http://www.wsws.org/articles/2006/feb2006/assa-f20.shtml. Retrieved 2010-11-07.