ULFA, or the United Liberation Front of Assam, is a separatist rebel group operating in the northeastern state of Assam, in India. The term "ULFA" stands for "United Liberation Front of Assam," and it was established in 1979 with the aim of creating a sovereign homeland for the Assamese people through armed struggle.
The ULFA is often characterized as a militant outfit that seeks to challenge the Indian government's control over Assam through acts of insurgency and violence. It has been involved in activities like bombings, assassinations, and extortion in its pursuit of an independent Assam. The group believes that Assam's resources are being exploited by the central Indian government, leading to economic disparity and marginalization of the locals.
The ULFA has been a significant factor in the political and security landscape of Assam for several decades, with intermittent periods of intense violence followed by relative calm. The group, while primarily focused on its separatist goals, has also targeted and criticized non-Assamese migrants, particularly those from Bangladesh, asserting that they are responsible for demographic changes that threaten the indigenous culture and identity of Assam.
Efforts to resolve the conflict between the ULFA and the Indian government have taken place through negotiations and security operations. Several leaders and members of the ULFA have either surrendered or have been arrested, leading to a significant decrease in the group's activities. However, remnants of the organization continue to exist, albeit in a weakened state, posing intermittent challenges to peace and stability in Assam.
