BREAKING: ULFA (I) demands PM Modi’s apology for ‘distorting’ Assam history

GUWAHATI: The United Liberation From of Asom (Independent) has taken exception to Prime Minister Narendra Modi referring to 17^th century legendary Ahom general Lachit Borphukan as a freedom fighter and demanded his apology to the people of Assam.

In a statement from the ULFA (I), signed by publicity cell member K Rumel Axom, the proscribed outfit has described it a “distortion of history”.

“The distortion of Assam is similar to distortion of European history by the Nazis. The prime minister’s statement is wrong and insulting and we, on behalf of the people of Assam, demand apology for it,” the statement reads.

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With Assam assembly elections round the corner Modi mentioned Borphukan’s name along with other freedom fighters at a function to launch the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ on March 12 commemorating 75 years of India’s Independence.

Lachit Borphukan had led the Ahoms in the Battle of Saraighat in 1671 to victory against the Mughals. The Battle of Saraighat is considered the greatest naval battle on a river. Borphukan died in April 1672, almost two centuries before the Indian freedom movement had begun.

Modi came under severe criticism from all quarters after the statement. Several opposition parties are still heard criticising the prime minister for the mistake in their election meetings.