Assam CM Unfurls Tricolour in Former ULFA Stronghold Dibrugarh

GUWAHATI: For the first time in history, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma decided to unfurl the national flag on Republic Day at Dibrugarh, a place once infamous for militancy and a stronghold of ULFA-I.

This has broken a long-standing trend where Chief Ministers generally attend Republic Day celebrations in Guwahati's state capital.

Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh emerged as the hotbed of Republic Day celebrations on Sunday, demonstrating resilience and change within the district. From being an epicenter of ULFA activities, Dibrugarh has undergone a spectacular transformation from the days of conflict to embracing national pride.

Even though the district is one of four in Assam notified as "disturbed areas" under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, hosting such an event speaks for itself on how the region has progressed toward normalcy and development.

Reflecting on this milestone, the Chief Minister posted on X: "Dibrugarh is all set to host the Central Republic Day celebrations for the first time and the town is all decked up in Tricolour to celebrate the spirit of the Republic. From being affected by militancy to hosting full-scale Republic Day celebrations, it has come a long way."

The fact that Dibrugarh had a history and the ULFA(I) continued to call for a boycott meant that security was tightened to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. A month in advance, inter-district boundaries were manned, and riverine routes were monitored closely for suspicious movements. The RPF and GRP increased patrols on trains, while the Army, CRPF, and police worked in coordination to bolster the overall security framework.

Superintendent of Police V.V. Rakesh Reddy was upbeat about the elaborate preparations made. "All the garbage and construction material present is being evacuated and cleaned up in the town area to conduct anti-sabotage checking. House-to-house surveying has been carried out in the three-kilometer perimeter area around the main venue to note any fresh faces or strangers," he added.

About 400 personnel from other districts were also deployed to augment the local security forces. This detailed groundwork ensured a safe environment for the Republic Day celebrations, reflecting the state's commitment to maintaining law and order.

It didn't dampen the celebrations, though, that ULFA(I) had called for a "total strike" from midnight to 6 PM on Sunday. The militant outfit, which still demands Assam's sovereignty, has been opposing National Day celebrations through the years. Only a few months ago, ULFA(I) announced planting 24 bombs across the state as Independence Day eve passed by in the state. However, it's found that most of them do not have ignition/triggering devices installed.

The successful hosting of Republic Day in Dibrugarh signified a larger success story of resilience and defiance against militancy. A Tricolour flying high in a region once gripped by conflict is now testimony to Assam's evolving socio-political landscape and its people's collective aspiration.

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