Student body says it has no links with militant ideology and reiterates commitment to peaceful democratic movements
Guwahati: The All Assam Students’ Union (AASU) publicly distanced itself from ULFA-I following the arrest of one of its senior office-bearers in Tinsukia over alleged financial links with the banned outfit.
In a joint statement, AASU president Utpal Sharma and general secretary Samiran Phukan said the organisation has never supported the ideology or activities of ULFA or any other militant group. They stressed that AASU’s movements have always been guided by “democratic and peaceful principles.”
The clarification came amid growing attention surrounding allegations that the arrested office-bearer was involved in fund transfers reportedly linked to ULFA-I activities.
Reaffirming the organisation’s stand, the AASU leadership said violence and anti-democratic methods have no place within the student body. “AASU neither promotes nor endorses any activity that goes against the interests of the nation,” the statement said.
The organisation further noted that it is treating the matter seriously and will conduct an internal review before taking any additional organisational steps.
Meanwhile, AASU chief adviser Samujjal Bhattacharya also reiterated the union’s long-standing position against violence. He said the student organisation remains committed to constitutional and democratic means while carrying forward public movements in Assam.
The development has triggered political discussion in the state, with the student body attempting to firmly separate its organisational identity from any alleged militant association.
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