Regionalist Sentiment Persists in Ulfa-I Chief's Native Village in Assam
In Jeraigaon, a village in Assam's Dibrugarh district, regionalist sentiment remains deeply entrenched more than four decades after the separatist movement took root here. This village is the native home of Ulfa-I chief Paresh Baruah, and its political landscape reflects a complex interplay of history, insurgency, and electoral strategies.
Villagers Campaign for BJP Amid AGP Alliance Dynamics
The villagers, who are primarily supporters of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), are now openly campaigning for BJP candidate Binod Hazarika in the current elections. AGP is an ally of the BJP in Assam, but this shift involves nuanced political calculations. Bimal Baruah, Paresh Baruah's elder brother and a prominent AGP member in the village, expressed disappointment that sitting AGP MLA Ponakan Baruah was denied a ticket from the Chabua-Lahowal constituency.
"We appeal to the political parties who are going to form the next government, as well as Paresh Baruah, to find a permanent solution. As common citizens, we want a peaceful life. Because of the conflict, our Assamese youths are being killed," said Bimal Baruah, highlighting the village's plea for resolution.
Urgent Call to Resolve Ulfa-I Issue as Top Priority
Bimal Baruah, a retired Army personnel, emphasized that the Ulfa-I issue is the most critical burning matter and must be the first priority for the next government. He pointed to a lack of trust-building efforts by the government and cited recent violence as a significant concern.
"Reports of drone attack on Ulfa camps in Myanmar last year and recent attack on Assam police camp in Tinsukia both are a matter of concern. We neither want the death of our rebel youths nor police and Army personnel," he stated, underscoring the human cost of the conflict.
Warning of Political Alternatives if Violence Continues
Bimal Baruah issued a stark warning: if the government formed in May does not make sincere efforts to bring Paresh Baruah to the negotiating table and violence persists, people may begin looking for a political alternative. This sentiment reflects the village's desperation for peace and stability after decades of turmoil.
Family members noted that the Ulfa-I chief does not contact them to influence their political choices, but Bimal affirmed that the family stands firmly for peace. He also shared a personal tragedy, revealing that one of his sons joined Ulfa-I a few years ago and his whereabouts are now unknown.
"Why did my son go to Ulfa-I? Why did he go? We never wanted to. We wanted him to do a good job," Bimal lamented, adding that it is difficult to stop people from joining the outfit unless meaningful talks are initiated.
Jeraigaon's Historical Association with Regionalist Politics
Jeraigaon has long been a hub of Assam's regionalist politics. Apart from Paresh Baruah, Ulfa general secretary Anup Chetia, who has since joined the mainstream, also hails from the village and is related to him. This historical context adds layers to the current political dynamics.
Despite resentment over the denial of a ticket to Ponakan Baruah, many in the village and the wider constituency expect he could be sent to the Rajya Sabha as a compensatory measure. For now, AGP workers in the area are actively campaigning for BJP candidate Binod Hazarika.
Tactical Support for BJP Over Ideological Alignment
Rupak Gohain, a young resident of Jeraigaon, explained that support for the BJP is tactical rather than ideological. "AGP is our party, founded in our state, unlike BJP and Congress. For the time being, we are BJP since our candidate is from BJP. It's not saffron surge but NDA surge," said Rupak, who prefers farming at home over leaving for low-paying work elsewhere.
Bimal Baruah also lamented AGP's loss of the Chabua-Lahowal seat allocation, calling it unfortunate given the party's sacrifices. "Chabua has been the base of regionalism," he rued, emphasizing the historical significance of the area.
Pranjal Ghatowar is the Congress candidate from Chabua-Lahowal, adding another dimension to the electoral contest. The village's political choices are thus shaped by a blend of regional loyalty, strategic voting, and a deep-seated desire for peace and resolution of the insurgency that has plagued Assam for generations.
