Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday declared that his government will not permit any radical outfit or individual to mislead the youth and destroy their future. In a post on his X handle, the CM wrote, “We will not allow any group or individual to mislead our youth and ruin their future by radicalising them. Assam will give it back firmly. A counter radicalisation cell will be established to protect vulnerable youth from extremist influence.”
Governor’s Address Precedes Announcement
His statement came two days after Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, in his customary speech to the newly elected 16th state assembly on Friday, spoke about the establishment of the cell. The governor had appealed to the United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent (Ulfa-I), the only major outfit remaining outside the peace process, to join the mainstream and contribute to Assam’s growth and development.
Peace Agreements and Mainstreaming
Over the past decade, peace agreements have been signed with various militant groups, including all four factions of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and the Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA). More than 10,000 members of these outfits have joined the mainstream. However, Ulfa-I has not yet participated in the peace process.
It may be mentioned that police have arrested over 100 people in the last 10 years for their alleged involvement in fundamentalist activities in the state. The counter-radicalisation cell is expected to strengthen efforts to prevent youth from being influenced by extremist ideologies.
