Assamese Separatist Movement
Encyclopedia
The Assamese Separatist Movement is a result of Assamese nationalism
. The alleged neglect and economic exploitation by the Indian state are the main reasons behind the growth of this secessionist movement. Both sides - the ULFA and the Indian state are unwilling to compromise on sovereignty
and the common people of Assam
has been paying the price for it.
The United Liberation Front of Asom
seeks to establish a sovereign Assam via an armed struggle in the Assam conflict
. The Government of India
had banned the organization in 1990 and classifies it as a terrorist group, while the US State Department lists it under "Other groups of concern".
ULFA claims to have been founded at the site of Rang Ghar on April 7, 1979, a historic structure from the Ahom kingdom
. Military operations against it by the Indian Army that began in 1990 continues till present. In the past two decades some 30,000 people have died in the clash between the rebels and the government.
Though Assamese nationalism
is a strong and popular sentiment, it is disputed if the secessionist movement enjoys popular support any longer. On the other hand, strong Assamese nationalism
can be found in Assamese literature
and culture. The neglect and exploitation by the Indian state are common refrains in the Assamese-language media. There are instances when even the ULFA leaders are seen as saviors.
Internationally acclaimed Assamese novelist Indira Goswami has been trying to broker peace for several years between the rebels and the government. In a recent development the Hiren Gohain
, a public intellectual has stepped in to expedite the process.
Assamese nationalism
Assamese nationalism is an ideology that supports self-determination by the Assamese people.-See also:*Naga nationalism*Bodo nationalism*Tripura nationalism*Tamil nationalism*Tripura Rebellion*Assam conflict-External links:*...
. The alleged neglect and economic exploitation by the Indian state are the main reasons behind the growth of this secessionist movement. Both sides - the ULFA and the Indian state are unwilling to compromise on sovereignty
Sovereignty
Sovereignty is the quality of having supreme, independent authority over a geographic area, such as a territory. It can be found in a power to rule and make law that rests on a political fact for which no purely legal explanation can be provided...
and the common people of Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
has been paying the price for it.
The United Liberation Front of Asom
United Liberation Front of Asom
The United Liberation Front of Asom is a separatist group from Assam, among many other such groups in North-East India. It seeks to establish a sovereign Assam via an armed struggle in the Assam Conflict...
seeks to establish a sovereign Assam via an armed struggle in the Assam conflict
Assam conflict
The Assam conflict is an insurgency in the Assam state of India.The conflict started in the 1970s. It stems from tension between Assamese and alleged neglect and internal colonisation by the Indian government with its federal centre in Delhi. Additionally, the state is rich in oil resources...
. The Government of India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
had banned the organization in 1990 and classifies it as a terrorist group, while the US State Department lists it under "Other groups of concern".
ULFA claims to have been founded at the site of Rang Ghar on April 7, 1979, a historic structure from the Ahom kingdom
Ahom kingdom
The Ahom Kingdom was a medieval kingdom in the Brahmaputra valley in Assam that maintained its sovereignty for nearly 600 years and successfully resisted Mughal expansion in North-East India...
. Military operations against it by the Indian Army that began in 1990 continues till present. In the past two decades some 30,000 people have died in the clash between the rebels and the government.
Though Assamese nationalism
Assamese nationalism
Assamese nationalism is an ideology that supports self-determination by the Assamese people.-See also:*Naga nationalism*Bodo nationalism*Tripura nationalism*Tamil nationalism*Tripura Rebellion*Assam conflict-External links:*...
is a strong and popular sentiment, it is disputed if the secessionist movement enjoys popular support any longer. On the other hand, strong Assamese nationalism
Assamese nationalism
Assamese nationalism is an ideology that supports self-determination by the Assamese people.-See also:*Naga nationalism*Bodo nationalism*Tripura nationalism*Tamil nationalism*Tripura Rebellion*Assam conflict-External links:*...
can be found in Assamese literature
Assamese literature
Assamese literature is the entire corpus of poetry, novels, short stories, documents and other writings in the Assamese language. It also includes popular ballads in the older forms of the language during its evolution to the contemporary form. The literary heritage of the Assamese language can...
and culture. The neglect and exploitation by the Indian state are common refrains in the Assamese-language media. There are instances when even the ULFA leaders are seen as saviors.
Internationally acclaimed Assamese novelist Indira Goswami has been trying to broker peace for several years between the rebels and the government. In a recent development the Hiren Gohain
Hiren Gohain
Dr. Hiren Gohain, an eminent Assamese critic, poet and social scientist was born in 1939. He studied in Cotton College, Delhi University. After completion of his masters degree, he went to Cambridge for Doctorate research, and on the topic 'Tradition and Paradise lost' he achieved his doctorate...
, a public intellectual has stepped in to expedite the process.