ULFA(I) Opposes 'Bihar Diwas' Celebrations in Assam: What It Means for Regional Tensions

 

ULFA(I) Opposes 'Bihar Diwas' Celebration in Assam: Tensions Rise Over Cultural Differences and Political Motives

The outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) or ULFA(I), led by Paresh Baruah, has issued a strong warning to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-ruled government and Hindi-speaking communities against holding a ‘Bihar Diwas’ celebration in Tinsukia, a town in eastern Assam. The event, planned for March 22, has sparked controversy due to its potential implications for Assam's indigenous culture and identity.

ULFA(I) Condemns 'Bihar Diwas' in Assam

Tinsukia, located approximately 470 km east of Guwahati, has a significant population of Hindi speakers, primarily from Bihar and Jharkhand. This town serves as a commercial hub for much of the northeastern region. According to reports, the initiative to organize Bihar Diwas was decided at a recent meeting of local BJP leaders, including legislators Suren Phukan (Digboi) and Sanjoy Kishan (Tinsukia).

ULFA(I) has labeled this move as an “attack on the culture, heritage, and pride of the indigenous people” of Assam. In a statement issued by ULFA(I) spokesperson Ishan Asom, the outfit made it clear that it would not tolerate the celebration of Bihar Diwas by "outsiders." The group also warned that defying their directive could lead to “serious consequences."

Regional Organizations and Politicians Join the Opposition

In addition to ULFA(I), several regional organizations have expressed their opposition to the celebration. The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), All Tai Ahom Students’ Union (ATASU), and All Moran Students’ Union (AMSU) have called on the event’s organizers to cancel the program. Sivasagar MLA and Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi also voiced his disapproval, arguing that it is unjustifiable to celebrate Bihar Diwas in Assam when Assam Diwas is not recognized in Bihar. Gogoi claims the event is merely an attempt to appeal to the Hindi-speaking voter base in Assam, especially as state elections approach.

Political Implications and Electoral Considerations

The controversy surrounding Bihar Diwas comes amid mounting political tensions in Assam. The BJP has been a dominant force in the region since 2014, with Tinsukia and surrounding areas forming a significant part of its voter base. The demographic in these areas includes tea plantation workers, Adivasis from central India, Hindi speakers, and Hindu Bengalis. However, the BJP faces increased competition, particularly after the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, when the Congress-led opposition made substantial inroads in the region.

Assam's upcoming assembly elections in 2026 and Bihar's elections in 2025 are expected to influence the political landscape in both states, adding another layer of complexity to the debate over Bihar Diwas.

Government Response and ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ Vision

In defense of the celebration, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the national spirit behind the event. Sarma argued that Assam reciprocates the celebration of other states' statehood days in line with the vision of ‘Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat,’ as promoted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He pointed out that, just as Asom Diwas is celebrated across the country, celebrating Bihar Diwas in Assam fosters unity and strengthens the relationship between the states.

Conclusion: Cultural and Political Divides in Assam

The debate over Bihar Diwas highlights deeper cultural and political divides within Assam, raising questions about regional identity, the influence of Hindi-speaking populations, and the strategies of political parties as elections loom. The tension between respecting indigenous culture and accommodating diverse communities remains a contentious issue in Assam’s evolving political landscape.