Assam: ULFA (I) condemns targeting of particular community following rape cases
Guwahati: The United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) (ULFA-I) has strongly condemned the targeting of a particular community following the alleged rape of a minor girl at Dhing in Nagaon district.
In a statement emailed to media, the ULFA (I) said that the recent spate of rapes, involving individuals from various religious backgrounds, calls for equal punishment for all perpetrators regardless of their faith.
The outfit slammed the politicization of the issue, urging for a focus on raising awareness against rape and crimes against women.
The ULFA(I) highlighted that the 20 reported rapes in the past week involved accused from all major religions, including Hindu, Sanatan, Vaishnava, Christian, and Islam.
The proscribed outfit stressed the importance of fairness and justice for all victims, regardless of their caste, religion, or race.
The outfit further condemned anti-social activities such as violence against women, rape, adultery, drug abuse, robbery, and communal incitement.
The rebel group also called for a concerted effort to eradicate these social ills through community-based initiatives and a focus on spirituality.
The ULFA (I) also expressed concern about the growing tendency to divide Assam along regional lines.
They urged all indigenous people to unite and protect the interests of the state, warning that such divisions could play into the hands of colonial exploiters.
The outfit recalled the relative absence of such anti-social activities during the 1990s when the ULFA's influence was at its peak.
It cautioned that the current situation could lead to further divisions and exploitation if not addressed effectively.
The ULFA (I) appealed to all indigenous people to avoid narrow-mindedness and work towards a permanent solution to the issues facing Assam.
The outfit urged the colonial Indian state to take decisive action to address these problems and ensure justice for all.