Naba Kumar Sarania alias Hira, who was chief of the dreaded ‘709 Battalion’ of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa), in an exclusive chat with Arup Chanda on why he had decided to join the political mainstream.
Hira is contesting from Kokrajhar in Assam, which has been hit by Bodo insurgency, and he is perhaps the only former extremist in the fray for the Lok Sabha polls. Earlier, after coming overground he had joined the pro-talks group led by Ulfa chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa.
Chanda spoke to the former ultra surrounded by a phalanx of armed bodyguards at his lair located deep inside the jungle.
The excerpts:
Q: You were once an Ulfa commander. Why did you decide to contest elections and be a part of Indian democracy?
I had decided to become part of the pro-talks group led by Ulfa chairman (Rajkhowa). After I left the ‘709 Battalion’ of the military wing of Ulfa I spoke to the local people. They wanted me to contest the Lok Sabha elections, in order, to give voice to their problems in Parliament, which has not happened. They have confidence in me since I had pledged my life for their cause.
Q: Do you want a separate state of Bodoland since you are contesting from Kokrajhar, that had elected candidates put up by the Bodo People’s Front, which advocates a separate state?
The organisation, which is the United People’s Front, as well as myself are opposed to the division of Assam. We want an united state with people of all communities living together. The Bodos are in a minority here. There are only 3.2 lakh Bodo voters out of the nearly 14.5 lakh electors in my constituency. So how can a minority group have a separate state?
Q: What is your agenda?
I want to raise the problems the people here are facing in Parliament. There are serious problems in this area, which is one of the most backward in the country. The indigenous people of this region have been neglected for a long time and that is why militancy thrives here. The state government has done nothing for the people other than constituting an autonomous council. Unemployment among the youth is a major problem.
Q: Who will vote for you since you are a militant?
I have given up arms and joined the mainstream politics. People of various communities, including Bengalis, who have around two lakh votes, are also supporting me. I will certainly get the Assamese votes and also those of Muslims, who have pledged their support for me. The 2012 anti-Muslim riots here had exposed the Congress and other political parties, who did not help them. The Bodo vote will be divided and many Bodos are also supporting me since I am a tribal.
Q: If you get elected whom will you support for the formation of the new government at the Centre?
I will not support the NDA as the BJP supports the creation of Bodoland. I do not think the Congress along with its allies will come to power. I will take a decision based on the post-poll scenario. I will support any front, which will espouse the cause of Assam and lead to the development of this region.
Q: How are your relations with Ulfa now?
I have very good relations but since my path is different I am no more a member of Ulfa. I want the talks to be successful and ensure that peace returns to Assam. As an MP I will also strive for the talks to be successful. We want communal harmony, which had existed in Assam till some forces for their own vested interests disrupted it. Youths had taken up arms and joined the militant outfits because of unemployment and backwardness.
Now, we have realised that armed struggle is not the solution but it is imperative to be part of the mainstream politics and work for the state’s development. The Ulfa too is in favour of peace in Assam and I support it.