105-686: Paresh Baruah , also known by the alias Paresh Asom is an Indian separatist militant who is the army chief of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), which is seeking Independence for Assam from the Indian Union . He is the vice-chairperson and the commander-in-chief of the United Liberation Front of Assam – Independent (ULFA – I). Baruah lives in Yunnan , China where he receives funding and patronage from
210-423: A Commander of principleless cadres and in time, I will prove that. I can't betray 14,000 martyrs." In March 2013, he castigated Rajkhowa's pronouncement to the journalists that Baruah is still the whole ULFA's commander-in-chief and will also join the ongoing talks," affirming that "he [Baruah] would never come forward for talks with the government under the framework of Constitution as it would not be able to solve
315-710: A bombing and destruction of a five million-liter petrol reservoir at Digboi refinery in Tinsukia, with an estimated property loss of Rs 200million. On the same day they also damaged a gas pipeline in the oil district of Tinsukia. In the initial years of the ULFA movement (when it used to enjoy widespread public support in both urban and rural areas of Assam among the indigenous Assamese people), cadres were recruited from rural areas as well as from many towns in Lower Assam, Northern and Upper Assam and middle Assam districts. One of
420-641: A dhaba in Kherbari village. The victims, all Bengali -speaking workers, were identified as Subal Das, Dhanai Namsudra, Anant Biswas, Shyamal Biswas, and Abinash Biswas. The group's actions reflect a xenophobic stance, particularly hostile towards non-Assamese communities. The ULFA was founded on 7 April 1979 in Sivasagar , Assam by a group of young men that included Paresh Baruah , Arabinda Rajkhowa , Anup Chetia , Bhupen Borgohain, Pradip Gogoi, Bhadreshwar Gohain and Budheswar Gogoi. The organisation's purpose
525-851: A national of the Soviet Union. From the 1990s on the ULFA have continued to carry out attacks. Till the late 2000s, it maintained a number of camps in Bangladesh, where members are trained and sheltered away from Indian security forces. In April 2004, Bangladesh police and Coast Guard intercepted massive amounts of illegal arms and ammunition, at Chittagong , being loaded into 10 trucks and intended for ULFA. A total of 50 were charged with arms smuggling and arms offenses, including former high-level Bangladesh political appointees including Bangladesh National Party ministers and National Security Intelligence military officers, as well as prominent businessmen, and Paresh Baruah , military wing chief of ULFA who
630-520: A number of family members of ULFA leaders. With the fall of this government following elections in 2001, the secret killings stopped. Dinesh Barua, the elder brother of Paresh Barua , was taken from his house at night by unidentified Assamese men, Later his body was found lying near a cremation center in Chabua . ULFA's self-styled Publicity Secretary, Mithinga Daimary, also had his five family members killed during this period. Government investigations into
735-553: A piece of bamboo and recite rowa-khowa chants and spells to ward off pests and the evil eye. During the evening, cattle are fed specially made rice items called pitha . Kati Bihu is known as Kati Gasa by the Bodo people and Gathi Sainjora by the Dimasa people . The Bodo people light lamps at the foot of the siju ( Euphorbia neriifolia ) tree. This Bihu is also associated with the lighting of akaxi gonga or akaxbonti , lamps at
840-719: A press meet held at Amarpur in Tinsukia district. They declared the ceasefire to pressure the top brass of ULFA to sit on negotiation table with the Government of India. But the top brass of ULFA expelled the leaders of 28 Battalion led by Mrinal Hazarika and Jiten Dutta (who had managed to escape from the cordon of Indian Army in Dibru Saikhowa National Park). The group later renamed as ULFA (Pro-talk). Lt Bijoy Chinese alias Bijoy Das, Commander of 28th Battalion also surrendered to state authorities in 2013. Between 2009 and 2018, entire leadership of ULFA
945-460: A set of three preconditions for talks and negotiations with the Indian government. Thought government had rejected these preconditions. The preconditions were: Despite dropping the first two key preconditions in 2004 and expressing readiness for talks, the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) faced an Indian government unwilling to negotiate on sovereignty. However, progress emerged when ULFA formed
1050-408: A small batch of militants had also taken refuge along with him. Paresh Baruah had previously visited China in the 1980s. In December 2003, China spurned ULFA's chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa appeal to provide safe passage to the rebels from Bhutan. During the government of AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta , as a part of his government's counter-insurgency strategy, unidentified gunmen had assassinated
1155-511: A social activist and a relative of a high ranking Indian diplomat, was kidnapped and killed. The highest government officer assassinated by the group was local Asom Gana Parishad minister Nagen Sarma in 2000. An unsuccessful assassination attempt was made on AGP Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta in 1997. A mass grave , discovered at a destroyed ULFA camp in Lakhipathar forest, showed evidence of executions committed by ULFA. In 2003,
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#17327798386641260-684: A stratagem of Indian officials but they denied the accusation. Times of Assam has claimed that the Indian intelligent agencies may be trying to ferret out Baruah by closely monitoring Sunlee. The newspaper further claimed that numerous pictures of Sunlee were gathered by the intelligence agencies in early 2012. The Union Home Secretary of India has said that Baruah's family is not desirous to return to India, because of their stiff attitude. A collaborator of Baruah has said that two aides of Arabinda Rajkhowa were sent to Bangladesh to convince his and Anup Chetia 's family to come back to India. In 2004, Baruah
1365-631: A tough response, forcing a dreaded group of ULFA - 28 Battalion to unilaterally bow down and seek asylum from the government. This particular one-sided ceasefire broke the backbone of ULFA. On 15 March 2007, ULFA triggered a blast in Guwahati , injuring six persons as it celebrated its 'army day'. The ULFA has claimed responsibility for bombings of economic targets like crude oil pipelines , freight trains and government buildings, including 7 August 2005 attack on oil pipelines in Assam. ULFA carried out
1470-456: A tripartite agreement for "Suspension of Operations" agreement was signed by the Indian government, the Assam government and the ULFA. On November 1, 2018, suspected militants of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) killed five people and injured one in Tinsukia district, Assam. The attackers, reportedly traveling on motorcycles, opened fire on a group of youths playing ludo at
1575-511: A wing of Indian Railways , a good number of candidates from Bihar and other states were beaten up and stopped from taking the exam by some elements who were seeking 100 percent reservations for unemployed indigenous Assamese people in the said test. In resentment, conflicts arose with train passengers from North Eastern Indians states passing through some of the stations like Katihar , Jamalpur , Kishanganj in Bihar . During that period ULFA
1680-619: Is Gosai (Gods) bihu; statues of Gods, worshiped in all households are cleaned and worshiped asking for a smooth new year. The folk songs associated with the Bohag Bihu are called Bihugeets or Bihu songs. The form of celebration and rites vary among different demographic groups. Bohag Bihu or Rongali Bihu festival continues for seven days and called as Haat Bihu . The seven days are known as Chot Bihu, Goru Bihu, Manuh Bihu, Kutum Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Mela Bihu and Chera Bihu. Goru Bihu: The goru bihu or cattle worship rites are observed on
1785-483: Is a bereavement in the family, or the family does not invite the husori singers due to an illness, the husori band offers blessings from podulimukh and move on. Generally the singers are all male. Faat Bihu: This is a very old form of Bihu, characterized by spontaneity, popular in the Lakhimpur area of Assam. Mukoli Bihu: Young unmarried men and women attired in traditional golden silk muga dance
1890-533: Is community feasting everywhere. There is also the exchange of sweets and greetings at this time. The entire night (called Uruka) is spent around a Meji with people singing bihu songs, beating Dhol , a typical kind of drums or playing games. Boys roam about in the dark stealing firewood and vegetables for fun. The next morning they take a bath and burn the main Meji . People gather around the Meji and throw Pitha s (rice cakes) and betel nuts to it while burning it at
1995-735: Is discovered in the country. Later in August, the Indian agencies claimed that within January, Baruah was legally provided the Chinese visa which authorised him to stay in China for a maximum time period of six months. The agencies further claimed that the Chinese visa was given to him on a Bangladeshi passport which was further reported to had been issued under his alias Kamrul Zaman. But, the Chinese Foreign Ministry had repudiated
2100-483: Is involved in other organised criminal activities such as drug trafficking . Beginning in 1990, the Government of India has attempted to wean away members of the ULFA. This occurred due to the death of the ULFA's deputy Commander in chief Heerak Jyoti Mahanta on 31 December 1991. He had opposed surrenders, but they began after his death. The group has been meeting more local opposition as residents are tired of
2205-640: Is of three types and it is an important cultural festival unique to the Indian state of Assam – 'Rongali' or ' Bohag Bihu ' observed in April, 'Kongali' or 'Kati Bihu' observed in October or November, and 'Bhogali' or ' Magh Bihu ' observed in January. The festivals present an admixture of Tibeto-Barman, Austroasiatic and Indo-Aryan traditions entwined so intricately that it is impossible to separate them —festivals which are uniquely Assamese to which all communities of Assam had contributed elements. The Rongali Bihu
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#17327798386642310-452: Is one of them among others. The Bohag Bihu (Rongali Bihu) festive day is celebrated elsewhere but called by other name. Some examples of related festivals in Asia include: Indian subcontinent: East Asia: However, this is not the universal new year for all Hindus. For some, such as those in and near Gujarat, the new year festivities coincide with the five day Diwali festival. For others,
2415-513: Is said that Bordoisila ( Bardai Sikhla in Bodo) (meaning north-westerly winds in Assamese) was the daughter of God Earth who married to a bridegroom of some distant land. Bordoisila visits her mother's home once in year during spring time which indicates the beginning of Bihu and leaves after a few days which indicates the end of Bihu. Assam experience strong gale (wind) at that period which marks
2520-564: Is same as that followed by the Boros in Bwisagu indicating the common roots of both the festivals. During the night of Goru-bihu, people danced Bihu in separate groups in the Thans where animal sacrifice took place. After the sacrifices to the goddess, the young folk visited the households of the village, which was the start of Husori . This old tradition of starting Husori from the temple
2625-505: Is still followed by the Deoris, some Sonowals, Chutias and Morans as well as the people of Sadiya . In other communities, the temple has been replaced by the Namghar . The festivities of Bohag Bihu continued for a week and ended with the rite by which the goddess was bid farewell. In this rite, a boat was first prepared out of banana stem and decorated with flowers and offerings. Then, it
2730-657: Is the most important of the three, celebrating spring festival. The Bhogali Bihu or the Magh Bihu is a harvest festival, with community feasts. The Kongali Bihu or the Kati Bihu is the sombre, thrifty one reflecting a season of short supplies and is an animistic festival. The Rongali Bihu is the most important of them all, coincides with the Assamese New Year and as well as with other regions of Indian subcontinent , East Asia and South-East Asia , which follow
2835-640: Is unlikely to get intimidated by the Bangladeshi court's verdict, and is expected to continue with his activities. He has an empathy with the Naxalites, and recently said in interview that the ULFA and the Communist Party of India (Maoist) have a "tactical understanding". In an e-mail sent to the media, he further quoted: "Maoism in India has been born out of the government's failure to address to
2940-576: The Chutias , Sonowal Kacharis , Thengal Kacharis and Deoris . These groups, known as Sadiyal Kacharis were associated with the historical Kingdom of Sadiya . The other branches of Bodo-Kacharis which include Boros , Dimasas , Rabhas , Tiwas , etc. have also been celebrating Bihu since ancient times. The Boros call it Baisagu , while the Dimasas, Tiwa and Rabha call it Bushu or Bushu Dima , Pisu , Dumsi respectively. In local folklore, it
3045-480: The Hindu calendar and Buddhist calendar . The other two Bihu festivals every year are unique to Assamese people . Like some other Indian festivals, Bihu is associated with agriculture, and rice in particular. Bohag Bihu is a sowing festival, Kati Bihu is associated with crop protection and worship of plants and crops and is an animistic form of the festival, while Bhogali Bihu is a harvest festival. Assamese celebrate
3150-509: The Indo-Asian News Service reporting that his elder son (19) has been abducted in Bangladesh "to exert mental pressure on his family and to force him to surrender." Later, the ULFA said that his son was beaten sorely by the kidnappers "to pressure him to disclose his father's whereabouts, sources of income and business", but was allowed to leave after painstaking interrogation. The organisation further claimed that Baruah's son
3255-546: The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (Khaplang) versus the People's Liberation Army of Manipur . The football match was organised as an attempt to promote cooperation between the insurgent organisations operating in India's North-East . Baruah has ruled out negotiations with the government of India without addressing the question of Independence for Assam, and described the "peace talks" between
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3360-631: The Northeast Indian state of Assam . It seeks to establish an independent sovereign nation state of Assam for the indigenous Assamese people through an armed struggle in the Assam conflict . The Government of India banned the organisation in 1990 citing it as a terrorist organisation, while the United States Department of State lists it under "other groups of concern". According to ULFA (Assamese militant) sources, it
3465-698: The " People's Consultative Group" (PCG) in September 2005, aiming to pave the way for negotiations. The government welcomed this initiative. Following sustained army operations in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park , ULFA suffered significant losses in leadership, personnel, and infrastructure, prompting their return to the negotiating table in 2005. According to The Times of India , initial talks occurred at Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's residence in December 2005. Three rounds of peace talks with
3570-406: The "pro-talk faction" with the Indian government as "a sell-out by Ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and other leaders." But, he added that the ULFA's "demand for Independence does not mean secession". He further declared that the "anti-talk faction" of ULFA will not halt their battle for the "Aai Asom (motherland)", and he had issued the "pro-talk faction" a deadline of three months to "break talks with
3675-439: The 11-member PCG, led by Assamese writer Indira Goswami , resulted in a temporary truce in August 2006. However, the truce collapsed by September 23rd due to ULFA's resumption of violent activities against civilians, primarily targeting tea estates and oil pipelines. They also violated the ceasefire by attacking army columns. On 24 June 2008, some leaders and cadres of the A and C companies of ULFA declared unilateral ceasefire at
3780-418: The 709th. While remaining battalions exist only on paper at best they have the strengths of a company or so. Their allocated spheres of operation are as follows: Enigma Force or Enigma Group was an exclusive and near autonomous striking group of the ULFA. It is known to a few top leaders of the outfit and the cadres were isolated from the others. It was designed for hit and run type of operations. It
3885-624: The Bihu dance form but may incorporate all forms of theatrical performances to keep the audience enthralled well into the early hours. Performances could include standup comedy, to concerts by solo singers. The stage form of Bihu has become so popular, that organizers have begun extending the celebrations to bohagi bidai , or farewell to the Bohag month, which is similar performances held a month later. Saat Bihu: Rongali Bihu also called saat Bihu (seven Bihus). It celebrates seven days, it's called so. On
3990-619: The Bihus are celebrated by all Assamese people irrespective of religion, caste or creed. It is also celebrated overseas by the Assamese diaspora community living worldwide. The term Bihu is also used to imply Bihu dance otherwise called Bihu Naas and Bihu folk songs also called Bihu Geet. The word Bihu has been derived from the Deori (a Boro-Garo language) word Bisu which means "excessive joy". original form of Bihu continue among
4095-598: The Chinese Ministry of State Security (China) . He has also insisted that Han Chinese are friends of the Assamese and want to help them become independent, even though his influence has largely diminished. He is currently residing in his Chinese safe haven near the Myanmar -China border. Paresh Baruah was born in 1956 at Birpara (campo), Assam , India to a Matak family. In December 2010, Paresh e-mailed
4200-529: The Indian government in 2011. In December 2023, a peace accord was signed by the Indian Central government , the Assam government and the pro-talks faction of ULFA, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa . This resulted in the disbandment of ULFA, the vacating of all designated camps, and the surrender of 8,200 cadres. The accord carried a Rs 1.5 lakh crore financial package, which includes setting up of an IIM and an IISER , new railway and national highways in
4305-695: The Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). In 1986 it launched a fundraising "campaign" across India by way of extortion. It then began to set up camps in Tinsukia and Dibrugarh but was soon declared a terrorist organization by the government on 7 November, under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act . In less than a decade of its formation, the ULFA emerged as one of the most powerful and violent insurgent outfit in Southeast Asia , largely because of
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4410-636: The Paresh Baruah faction of the Ulfa, which have been continuously raising its voice against the ongoing peace process being initiated by the Arabinda Rajkhowa faction, is engaged in a massive recruitment drive in the rural areas of Dibrugarh, Tinsukia, Sivasagar, Lakhimpur and Nalbari districts of Assam. The Ulfa also has strong following among the Naga people in Assam. After 1985 and before it
4515-503: The Rongali Bihu with feasts, music and dancing. Some hang brass, copper or silver pots on poles in front of their house, while children wear flower garlands then greet the new year as they pass through the rural streets. The three Bihu are Assamese festivals elders in family, fertility and mother goddess, but the celebrations and rituals reflect influences from Southeast Asia and Sino-Tibetan cultures. In contemporary times,
4620-540: The ULFA "would remain on a purely strategic level" only. In April 2013, the news media alleged that on 10 April, Baruah had aggressively warned the artists to refrain from signing and performing on Hindi songs during the Rongali Bihu celebrations , and threatened to kill Zubeen Garg for not following their words. Tarun Gogoi also appreciated Garg for not listening to the ULFA. But, while being interviewed by an Assamese television channel , Baruah elucidated that
4725-456: The ULFA made "only an appeal to all artistes not to sing Hindi songs at Bihu functions" and that their "appeal" was misapprehend as a warning. He also stated that Garg must express regret for his comments over the organisation's appeal. United Liberation Front of Asom Bolin Das ( POW ), The United Liberation Front of Asom ( ULFA ) is an armed militant organisation operating in
4830-476: The ULFA was accused of killing labourers from Bihar in response to an alleged molestation of a Mizo girl in a train passing through Bihar . This incident sparked off anti-Bihari sentiment in Assam and ULFA saw it as an opportunity to regain its lost ground. The ULFA killed civilians of Bihari origin and other outsiders of mainland India. In 2003, during a Railways Recruitment Board Examination for Group (D) posts conducted by Northeast Frontier Railway zone
4935-466: The allegations, claiming that it had never rendered assistance to the ULFA's commander-in-chief. A photograph of Kalita and the ULFA cadres holding arms and dressed in combat fatigues was strategically provided to the press by the organisation in 2011. The organisation also distributed a video of Baruah to the media groups in which he was dancing with the cadres of ULFA, during the Bihu festival. The video
5040-554: The armed politics and business of Assam . The total number of ULFA militants to have laid down arms has gone up to 8,718. 4,993 cadres surrendered between 1991 and 1998. 3,435 surrendered between 1998 and 2005, when a new policy to deal with the ULFA was unveiled. On 24 January 2012, one of northeast India's biggest surrender ceremonies took place in Assam's main city of Guwahati, when a total of 676 militants laid down their weapons. In 2020, 1,675 militants of ULFA(I) and allied militant groups surrendered. In 2003, ULFA had put forward
5145-537: The beginning of Bihu and another strong gale after her departure which is devastating. The word Bordoisila is derived from the Bodo word Bordaisikhla which means "girl of storm" (Sikhla meaning girl and Bardai meaning storm). There is even a dance with the same name performed among Boro people during Baisagu which points to the origin of Bihu in the Bodo-Kachari groups. The first reference of Bihu can be found in
5250-411: The bihu and sing bihu songs in the open fields. The songs have themes of romance and sexual love, requited or unrequited. Sometimes the songs describe tragic events too but treated very lightly. The dance celebrates female sexuality. Jeng Bihu: This is Bihu dance and song performed and watched only by women. The name "jeng" comes from the fact that in earlier days women in the villages used to surround
5355-690: The coming of Spring. This marks the first day of the Hindu solar calendar and is also observed in Bengal, Manipur, Mithila, Nepal, Orissa, Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu though called by different names. It's a time of merriment and feasting and continues, in general, for seven days. The farmers prepare the fields for cultivation of paddy and there is a feeling of joy around. The women make pitha , laroos (traditional food made of rice , coconut ) various drinks by local tribes such as Chuje by Deoris , Nam-Lao by Tai-Ahom , Aapong by Mising tribe and Jolpan which gives
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#17327798386645460-445: The conflict as the solution lay only in restoration of Independence of Assam." He further accused the pro-talk faction of forgetting the 14,000 ULFA cadres who drew their last breath while battling with who he termed as the "Indian occupational forces." Bhimkanta Buragohain alias Mama, who was one of the senior-most leaders of ULFA, and had held a meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in 2011 to achieve an understanding between
5565-531: The copperplate inscription of the Chutia king Lakshminarayan. The inscription was found in Ghilamara region of Lakhimpur district in the year 1935 and it was issued in the year 1401 A.D. It states that the king Lakshminarayan has donated land grants to Brahmins on the auspicious occasion of Bihu. It reads, “Etasmay Shashana prada Lakshminarayana Nripa Utrijya Bisuye Punya Ravidev Dvijanme” This means that on
5670-410: The day. There are other conventional festivals observed by various ethnic-cultural groups. Me-dam-me-phi, Ali-aye-ligang, Porag, Garja, Hapsa Hatarnai, Kherai are few among them. The koch celebrates this bihu as pushna . Bihu is also seen to be celebrated abroad. Many Bihu associations/committees exist elsewhere where this festival is celebrated with enthusiasm. The London Bihu Committee (LBC), UK
5775-468: The demand of the Independence of Assam renamed the organisation as the ULFA – Independent. They believe the organisation's new name is "in tune with its uncompromising quest for liberation of Assam" from what they view as the "colonial Indian rule". Baruah said that he does recognises Rajkhowa's work but Asom is a more politically conscious individual. "I would prefer death as pride rather than being
5880-634: The end was known as Raati Bihu or Chotor Bihu . During this period, young people danced at night in the grounds of the Than (temple). The last day of Chaitra or the first Tuesday of Bohag was when the Rati Bihu ended. This was known as the Uruka (derived from the Deori-Chutia Urukuwa meaning to end ). The temple dancers Deodhani danced the entire night and were believed to be possessed by
5985-400: The gate ( podulimukh ) with drum beats. The singers are traditionally welcomed into the courtyard where they sing the husori songs and perform a ring dance. At the end of the performance they are thanked with an offering dakshina of paan (betel leaf) tamul (areka nut) in a xorai (brass dish with stand), whereupon the singers bless the household for the coming year. If there
6090-423: The goddess Kechai-khati (kolimoti), signaling that she had descended upon earth from heaven ( Bihu nomai ona ). This belief of the goddess arriving during the Bihu season each year can still be found in Bihu songs as, "Kolimoti e bai ghuri Bohagoloi Ahibi ne nai? Ami thakim ami thakim Baatoloi sai." The day after Uruka , i.e. the first Wednesday was celebrated as Goru Bihu. This tradition of cattle rites
6195-421: The government and return to the outfit." After the ultimatum of three months was over without any response from Rajkhowa, the ULFA ousted him from his appointed ranks in the ULFA on 8 August 2012, and announced that Abhizeet Asom , who was working as the acting chairman , would serve the organisation as its chairperson since the day. Later on 30 April 2013, the wing led by Baruah, which adhere uncompromisingly to
6300-485: The government of India. He was alleged to have insisted on the Independence of Assam, and the peace talks did not take place. In January 2010, G. K. Pillai had substantial talks with his official Myanmar counterpart at Nay Pyi Taw on numerous issues, but Baruah was one of the main focal points. Later, an official from the Ministry of Home Affairs conveyed to the press that Myanmar has promised to capture Baruah, if he
6405-424: The granaries are full, there is a lot of feasting and eating during this period. On the eve of the day called uruka , i.e., the last day of pausa , menfolk, more particularly young men go to the field, preferably near a river, build a makeshift cottage called Bhelaghar with the hay of the harvest fields and the bonfire or Meji , . the most important thing for the night. During the night, they prepare food and there
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#17327798386646510-418: The immense popularity it enjoyed during the first decade of its struggle as well as its economic power which in turn helped it in bolstering its military capabilities. In the early 1990s, ULFA launched an aggressive campaign with victims such as security forces, political opponents, and blasting rail links. In July 1991 the front captured and held 14 people for ransom, included in the abductees was an engineer and
6615-593: The killings culminated in the report of the "Saikia Commission", presented to the Assam Assembly on 15 November 2007. The report describes how the killings were organised by Prafulla Mahanta , then the Assam Home Minister. They were executed by the police. The gunmen were former members of ULFA who had surrendered to the government. They approached their targets at home, at night, knocking on the door and speaking in Assamese to allay suspicion. When
6720-705: The kingdom. A group of these people moved from Sadiya, to Dibrugarh and finally settled down in Harhi Sapori, Dhakuakhana . These people had brought the idols of god and goddess along with them and established a temple now known as Harhi Dewaloi. It was here that the first form of modern Bihu dance was developed. Later, in the 19th century, this form of Bihu dance was adopted by the other communities as well and started being performed in Mahguli sapori, Dhakuakhana by Chutias, Sonowals, Deoris, Ahoms, Mishing etc. Ahoms used to celebrate their own spring festival Chyeng-Ken;
6825-451: The last day of the year. The cattle are washed, smeared with ground turmeric and other pastes, struck with sprigs of dighalati and makhiyati and endeared to be healthy and productive ( lao kha, bengena kha, bosore bosore barhi ja / maar xoru, baper xoru, toi hobi bor bor goru —eat gourd, eat brinjal, grow from year to year / your mother is small, your father is small, but you be a large one). The old cattle ropes are cast away through
6930-543: The legs and new ropes are tied to them, and they are allowed to roam anywhere they wished for the entire day. Manuh Bihu: The New Year Day, the day after the goru bihu , is called the manuh bihu . Elders are shown respect, with gifts of bihuwan (a gamosa ), a hachoti (kerchief), a cheleng etc., and their blessings are sought. Children are given new clothes, and Husori singing begins on this day, and people visit their relatives and friends. Husori: Village elders move from household to households singing carols, also in
7035-461: The minimum needs of the common man. We may have different ideologies but we share a common quest – of overthrowing the current social system and replacing it with a new one; our enemy is common and, on this count, the Maoists have our complete moral support." Kishenji also acknowledged that the ULFA's "way" is dissimilar from the Maoists'. The "experts" hold the view the link between the Maoists and
7140-439: The most popular ULFA leader of all time, the late Heerak Jyoti Mahanta hailed from a place which is just a few kilometres from Guwahati. However, with the educated Assamese urban middle class becoming increasingly sceptical of ULFA's method of functioning, the ULFA targeted the remote villages and the predominantly backward areas of predominantly marginalised indigenous communities for recruitment. According to intelligence sources,
7245-470: The organisation's emphasis on extortion and smuggling of weapons in the name of furthering the 'revolution' led to mindless violence throughout the state. It witnessed a period marked by growing disillusionment and anger amid supporters. In their bloody conflict with the security forces, many innocent civilians were killed and several thousand were permanently maimed. It is estimated that more than 10 thousand local youths perished during that turbulent period. In
7350-445: The other hand, Rangali Bihu is constitute of seven different types of Bihu -Goru Bihu (Cow Bihu), Manuh Bihu, Xat Bihu, Senehi Bihu, Maiki Bihu, Rongali Bihu, and Sera Bihu. Actually, the first day to pay respect to cows and other days for social activities. Kongali Bihu (mid-October, also called Kati-Bihu ) has a different flavor as there is less merriment and the atmosphere has a sense of constraining and solemnity. During this time of
7455-574: The passing away of Buragohain as a "huge loss" to the organisation. They further declared a three days mourning, and announced to keep the ULFA's flags lowered in its camps. One of his collaborator had alleged that G. K. Pillai had attempted to spread rumor regarding Baruah, to fabricate misconception about him amongst the people of Assam. On 30 January 2014, a special court in Chittagong commuted death sentence to Baruah and 13 others for smuggling in 10 truckloads of firearms in 2004. However, Baruah
7560-525: The people were busy celebrating Bihu. The Ahom general Phrasenmung Borgohain upon the advice of a Chutia general (who sided with the enemies) played the Bihu Dhul (on Ujha Bisu day i.e. 7th Bohag/Vaisakha) to trick the Chutias which ultimately led to their defeat. In early texts, Bohag Bihu celebrations started from the first week of Chot in Assamese month. The period from the first week of Chaitra till
7665-563: The pious occasion of Bihu, a Brahmin named Dvija Ravidev was granted land by the king. This indicates that Bihu played an important role in the social life of people of Assam at that period. Yet another reference of Bihu can be found in the Deodhai Buranji which mentions that the capital of the Chutia kingdom , Sadiya was suddenly attacked by the Ahom forces on the first day of Bihu/Bisu in 1524 (first Wednesday of Bohag/Vaisakha), when
7770-471: The place of their performance with sticks dug into the ground called jeng in Assamese. It is also called gos tolor bihu (Bihu beneath the tree). Baisago: The Bodo-Kachari people celebrate for seven days—the first day for cattle ( Magou ), the second day for man ( Mansoi ) and ancestor worship, feasting, singing and merriment. Songs follow the same themes as the Bihu songs. Bihutoli Bihu: The rural festival made its transition to urban life when it
7875-457: The present form. Being the pioneers of Astronomy, they further associated the term Bisu with the Visuvan day for coincidence of the Bohag Bihu with other springtime festivals observed elsewhere in India on this day and adopted the festival of the natives. Bohag Bihu (mid-April, also called Rongali Bihu), the most popular Bihu celebrates the onset of the Assamese New Year (around 14–15 April) and
7980-485: The present. On 5 December 2009, the chairman and the deputy commander-in-chief of ULFA was taken into Indian custody. In 2011, there was a major crackdown on the ULFA in Bangladesh , which greatly assisted the government of India in bringing ULFA leaders to talks. In January 2010, ULFA softened its stance and dropped demands for independence as a condition for talks with the Government of India. On 3 September 2011,
8085-433: The pro-talk faction of ULFA and the Indian government, once said: "I'm sure that if we make some progress in talks, then he [Paresh Baruah] will have no choice but to join us, but if we fail, then he will have a big party in the jungle." Baruah expressed sorrow on Buragohain's demise on 19 December 2011, and issued a joint official statement with Bormon stating that the ULFA's members are grieving over his death. He described
8190-487: The process, owing to the twin factors of increasing operations by the security forces and dwindling support among its core sympathisers, ULFA's importance in Assam has been declined drastically. Recruiting for the front did not begin until 1983. Soon after it finished recruitment in 1984, it began to seek out training and arms procurement from other groups such as the Kachin Independence Army (KIA) and
8295-484: The real essence of the season. The first day of the bihu is called goru bihu or cow bihu, where the cows are washed and worshipped, which falls on the last day of the previous year, usually on 14 April. This is followed by manuh (human) bihu on 15 April, the New Year Day. This is the day of getting cleaned up, wearing new cloths and celebrating and getting ready for the new year with fresh vigor. The third day
8400-489: The rituals of Chyeng-Ken are described in Khyek-Lai-Bet manuscript. But later on they adopted Bihu as their spring festival. Ahom King Rudra Singha gave patronage to Bihu and was also the first one to celebrate Bihu in the courtyard of Rang Ghar . This policy was later followed by his successors. The Indo-Aryans upon their arrival in Assam helped in gradually sanskritisation of the native Bihu/Bisu to bring it to
8505-464: The sacking of the Government of Assam under Prafulla Kumar Mahanta and the beginning of Operation Bajrang . On the ULFA's Army Day on 16 March 2003, an IED explosion under a bus on National Highway No. 7 killed six civilians and wounded approximately 55 others. In 1991 a Russian engineer, and national of the Soviet Union was kidnapped along with others and killed. In 1997, Sanjay Ghose ,
8610-415: The same time. They offer their prayers to the god of Fire and mark the end of the harvesting year. Thereafter they come back home carrying pieces of half burnt firewood for being thrown among fruit trees for favorable results. All the trees in the compound are tied to bamboo strips or paddy stems. Different types of sports like Buffalo-fight, Egg-fight , Cock-fight , Nightingale-fight etc. are held throughout
8715-562: The state. Paresh Barua , leader of the anti-talks faction of the ULFA, termed the tripartite peace agreement signed with the pro-talks faction of the outfit as 'shameful' and was unwilling to come to the negotiating table unless the issue of 'Assam's sovereignty' is discussed. The ULFA(I) faction who is not part of the peace deal, which has around 200 members are still active in their camps in Myanmar . The leftover faction of ULFA has allegedly been using China for shelter following expulsion from both Burma and Bangladesh. Bihu Bihu
8820-535: The style of bihu geets , called husoris . It possibly derives from the Dimasa Kachari word formation ha (land) and char (move over): hachari . Villages could have more than one Husori band, and they would visit households in a village non-contiguous to itself, first singing carols at the Naamghar . The husari singers then visit individual households, by first announcing their arrival at
8925-466: The then-ruling parties ( Congress and AGP respectively). The ULFA is credited with some bank robberies during its initial stages. Now it is widely reported to extort businessmen, bureaucrats and politicians for collecting funds. In 1997, the Chief Minister of Assam accused Tata Tea of paying the medical bills of the ULFA cultural secretary Pranati Deka at a Mumbai hospital. The ULFA
9030-482: The tip of a tall bamboo pole, to show the souls of the dead the way to heaven, a practice that is common to many communities in India , as well as Asia and Europe. Kati bihu is generally celebrated around 19 October, as it is almost mid-October. Bhogali Bihu (mid-January, also called Magh Bihu) comes from the word Bhog that is eating and enjoyment. It is a harvest festival and marks the end of harvesting season. Since
9135-478: The victims answered the door, they were shot or kidnapped to be shot elsewhere. During the 1990s and 2000s, the total strength of ULFA was stated to be around 3,000, while various other sources put the figure ranging from 4,000 to 6,000. A military wing of the ULFA, the Sanjukta Mukti Fouj (SMF) was formed on 16 March 1996. SMF had formed three full-fledged so-called battalions: the 7th, 28th, and
9240-444: The violence and disruption, and some energy has gone out of the movement. In 1992 a large section of second-rung leaders and members surrendered to government authorities. These former members were allowed to retain their weapons to defend against their former colleagues; they were offered bank loans without any liabilities to help them re-integrate into society. This loose group, now called SULFA, has become an important element in
9345-432: The year, the paddy in the fields are in the growing stage and the granaries of the farmers are almost empty. On this day, earthen lamps ( saki ) are lit at the foot of the household tulsi plant, the granary, the garden ( bari ) and the paddy fields. In ancient times, earthen lamps were lit all around the paddy fields to attract the insects, thus acting as a natural insecticide. To protect the maturing paddy, cultivators whirl
9450-401: Was able to trace Manjit along with some ULFA members in the forest regions of north-west Myanmar and struck at them. But, despite sustaining injuries, he survived the onslaught. The same year, the then Home Secretary of India told media that the government of Myanmar has taken a journalist into custody, who was believed to have gone there to interview Baruah. A senior ULFA leader, Jivan Moran,
9555-570: Was already losing its popularity and ground across many pockets in Assam where it had strongholds. However, ULFA took this situation as an opportunity to fan an opposition against ' India ' among people in Assam. They started killing Hindi -speaking people mostly having origin in Bihar in the State. On 15 August 2004, an explosion occurred in Dhemaji District of Assam in which 13 people died, mainly women and school children. This explosion
9660-620: Was also arrested along with the reporter. This followed a hoax in media that Baruah had also been captured, but the Home Secretary denied receiving any such information. Manjit was extensively reported to have shifted to China, but in 2012, he was sighted in Nagaland , goalkeeping in a football match between the team of the United Liberation Front of Assam, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and
9765-491: Was banned in 1990, ULFA was credited in the media with many public activities. It has continued a public discourse of sorts through the local media (newspapers), occasionally publishing its position on political issues centred around the nationality question. It has participated in public debates with public figures from Assam. During the last two local elections, the ULFA had called for boycotts . Media reports suggest that it used its forces to intimidate activists and supporters of
9870-498: Was carried out by ULFA. The ULFA has obliquely accepted responsibility for the blast. This appears to be the first instance of ULFA admitting to public killings with an incendiary device. In January 2007, the ULFA once again struck in Assam killing approximately 62 Hindi-speaking migrant workers mostly from Bihar. ULFA notoriety as a directionless and unpopular organisation increased, as the bomb blast victims also included several indigenous Assamese people. The Central Government made
9975-946: Was carried to the banks of the river where a duck/chicken was put inside the boat and allowed to float as a symbol of sacrifice. After performing the rite, the people returned to their homes, singing along the way with the beats of the Dhul and the tunes of the Pepa . Some old Assamese Bihu folklore still hint to this tradition. “Hasoti e chot Bisoti e chot. Budhe Goru Bihu Mangale Uruka. Bihu goi asili kot.” “Boge dhari khale luitor hihu, Mangal bare Uruka Budh bare Goru Bihu Tar pasor dina Manisor Bihu.” “Husori e chot asili kot. Sadiyar ahotor tolot, Husori e chot asili kot. Ami je ulomu jot Dubori nogoje tot.” “Kundilor agolit ukhokoi Himolu. Tate loi kuruwai bah. Sadiyar rajate sari haal goxani Taloi namaskar koru. Hunare jakhala Rupor hetamari Ahe sari haali nami.” The modern form of Bihu dance
10080-410: Was constantly in touch with some academics including Indira Goswami and numerous organisations, but he was switched to a secure location to undergo a surgery due to a medical emergency , which temporarily halted the communication. Around 2008, he was again in frequent e-mail communication with the Assamese author, Indira Goswami. She acted as a mediator in proposed peace talks between ULFA leaders and
10185-710: Was derived from the Faat Bihu dance celebrated in Dhakuakhana , Lakhimpur. The performers were called by the Ahom king Rudra Singha in 1694 to dance in the royal arena Rang Ghar . The origin of Faat Bihu can be traced to Sadiya . The word Faat in Deori-Chutia language means "to migrate". After the defeat of the Sadiyal Kacharis in Sadiya, the survivors were displaced from Sadiya to different places in
10290-529: Was either Captured or surrendered to the government thus leading to disbanding of the all ULFA battalions, besides only part of 27th battalion renamed as Kapili Gut remained. Currently, there are no commanders other than Paresh Baruah. All the others have been downgraded to staff and workers. As per the leaders of the insurgent group, the crackdown against Indian insurgent groups by the Awami league government in Bangladesh pushed them towards joining peace talks with
10395-709: Was first time brought to the stage in Lataxil field in Guwahati by the Guwahati Bihu Sanmilani in 1962, promoted by leading citizens like Radha Govinda Baruah and others. Bihu to a great extent has been popularized by the Bihu 'Samrat'( king ), of Assam, Khagen Mahanta. Unlike the rural version, the dancers danced on a makeshift elevated stage in an open area that came to be known as a Bihutoli . Many such Bihutolis have sprouted since then in Guwahati and other urban areas. The performances are not confined to
10500-585: Was founded on 7 April 1979 at Rang Ghar and began operations in 1990. Sunil Nath , former Central Publicity Secretary and spokesman of ULFA has stated that the organisation established ties with the Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland in 1983 and with the Burma based Kachin Independent Army in 1987. Military operations against the ULFA by the Indian Army began in 1990 and continue into
10605-688: Was headed by the Raju Baruah . On 29 July 1990, the Superintendent of Police (SP) of the Dibrugarh district Daulat Singh Negi (IPS) and his PSO and driver were killed by an ambush in Lahoal of Dibrugarh district by the ULFA. Some of the major assassinations by ULFA include that of Surendra Paul in May 1990, the brother of businessman Lord Swraj Paul , that precipitated a situation leading to
10710-471: Was seen as an attempt to intimidate the government of India and the ULFA members who agreed to lay down arms. In the video, the ULFA cadres can be heard shouting slogans in favour of the secession of Assam. Earlier, the Indian government had granted bails to some of the high ranking arrested leaders of the ULFA "to try and isolate Baruah and hold formal peace talks". In September 2011, the Myanmar Army
10815-401: Was terrified to stay tight-lipped about his kidnapping. In his e-mail, Baruah also wrote: "My son is not important or bigger than my people and the cause for which we are struggling. No one can make me or my family weak just because my son has been kidnapped, and let me tell you, we are prepared to sacrifice our son but at no cost I would [sic] waiver on my stand." He described the incident as
10920-1113: Was then living in Dhaka . He fled the country. Trials were still underway in Chittagong in 2012 under tight security. They had also maintained camps in Bhutan , which were destroyed by the Royal Bhutan Army aided by the Special Frontier Force in December 2003. These camps housed combatants and non-combatant families of ULFA members. ULFA maintained close relationships with other separatist organisations like NDFB , KLO and NSCN (Khaplang) . In 2008, News Services reported citing Indian police and intelligence officials reported ULFA's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah had taken refuge in Yunnan Province of China, along China-Myanmar border , due to continuous defeat of his Organization. The report also stated that
11025-521: Was to engage in an armed struggle to form a separate independent state of Assam. During its heyday in the late 80s and 90s, it enjoyed popularity among many of the indigenous Assamese people of the Brahmaputra valley . The majority of the supporters felt that a powerful organization was necessary to get the voice of a peripheral region heard in the corridors of power in Lutyen's Delhi . But gradually,
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