In what has created a sensation across political circles in Assam, the outlawed ULFA claimed here on Monday that state education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was once an active member of its political wing, but had deserted the outfit fearing for his life.
Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi refused to comment on Ulfa’s claim when asked about it at a press conference, while Mr Sarma himself, who was also present, merely said: “They (ULFA) have gone mad.”
Earlier, in an emailed statement on Monday, the Paresh Barua-led Ulfa said: “Assam education minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, former member of ULFA’s political wing, is giving statements against ULFA, which shows his poor knowledge about the revolution. In fact, his lack of knowledge about the revolution and fear for life forced him to leave Ulfa.”
The statement, signed by its spokesman Arunoday Dahotia, said: “Our former colleague Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was scared for his life, bowed down to a chief minister and surrendered, but we are never scared.”
It said ULFA would be happy to support him if he became chief minister “If our former colleague Himanta Sarma manages to become chief minister, we will be happy and proud,” ULFA said.