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Journalism of Courage
Security was beefed up for election candidates and leaders on Wednesday as the ULFA completed 25 years. The militant outfit has struck thrice in the last two days, leaving a policeman dead and more than 30 others injured.
The group slammed the Congress and the BJP and warned all parties ahead of elections. Demanding a referendum on sovereignty to Assam, it held Congress and BJP responsible for the recent crackdown in Bhutan but said no repressive measure can root out the ‘‘revolutionary spirit’’ of the Assamese people.
The Assam government also beefed up security at vital installations. In its 25th foundation day statement, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said the government had never made a ‘‘sincere move’’ to hold talks with the group; instead it was issuing ‘‘meaningless’’ statements through the media.
The ULFA also hit out at Bhupen Hazarika, who is contesting on a BJP ticket, saying the government was making a futile attempt to win over the Assamese people through ‘‘spineless and opportunist cultural leaders’’.
