ULFA gives Barak's Bengalis 60 days to state their position on Assam separation.

 Tensions have escalated in Assam's Barak Valley as the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (ULFA-I) issued a 60-day ultimatum to Bengali-speaking residents, demanding clarity on their stance regarding the proposed separation from Assam. The militant outfit's statement, which has circulated widely on social media, warned of consequences for Bengali-speaking individuals in the Brahmaputra Valley if they fail to comply.

According to ULFA-I, Bengalis are not the original inhabitants of this region, which was historically ruled by Kachari kings. The group condemned leaders like Pradip Dutta Roy, accusing them of conspiring against Assam with the support of "enemy India" to create a new state. In response, Roy dismissed ULFA-I's threats, stating that he does not take them seriously. He alleged that the militant group selectively targets Hindu Bengalis and accused them of hiding in Bangladesh under Muslim identities.

Amidst the escalating rhetoric, Assam's Director General of Police, Gyanendra Pratap Singh, issued a stern warning, emphasizing the importance of maintaining harmony in the state. Singh urged all individuals and organizations not to make statements or take actions that could disrupt the peaceful coexistence of Assam's diverse population. He asserted that any attempt to disturb this harmony would face strict legal consequences.

The situation in Barak Valley remains tense, especially after Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma's statement during his visit to the region, where he expressed openness to separation if the demand came from all citizens. Sarma's remark, made in response to a journalist's question, has added fuel to the ongoing debate. Cabinet Minister Pijush Hazarika echoed this sentiment, urging those in Barak Valley to clarify their stance on the separation issue.

As Assam grapples with this divisive discourse, the state government and law enforcement agencies are closely monitoring the situation to prevent any escalation of tensions and maintain peace in the region.