Guwahati (Assam) , Jan 23 : In view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation, Paresh Barua-led ULFA (Independent) has refrained from calling bandh on Republic Day for the first time in over two decades.
In a statement emailed to the media, Barua said that ULFA (I) will not call for bandh or boycott of Republic Day celebrations keeping in view the COVID-19 situation. He, however, urged people to abstain from participating in the celebration due to the pandemic.
Welcoming the decision, CM , Himanta Biswa Sarma said : “ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua has refrained from calling bandh on Republic Day due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It is a welcome step. I think such confidence-building measures may lead to a formal discussion between the Centre and the outfit in the future.”
ULFA (I), which is in a unilateral ceasefire since May last year, when Himanta Biswa Sarma became the chief minister of Assam, had also refrained from calling bandh on Independence Day last year.
(With Agency inputs)
