ULFA (I) flags hoisted across Assam amid R-Day celebrations

GUWAHATI: Supporters of the militant outfit United Liberation Front of Axom (Independent) or (ULFA-I) today hoisted its signature flag in various locations across Assam as a mark of protest against the celebrations of India's 72nd Independence Day.

According to reports, the ULFA (I) flags were spotted in front of a Government primary school in Barekuri in Tinsukia district. Police later took down the flags after locals intimated the officials.

Another flag was witnessed in Golaghat district, where the flag was also flown in front of a school called 'Pulibor Vidyapeeth.'

A teacher informed scribes that students were afraid after they saw the flag flying right in front of the school.

"We came upon the flag around 7:30 AM; students were naturally a bit afraid as this raises a host of questions," he said.

ALSO READ: ITBP Jawans hoist national flag on frozen water body in Ladakh

The militant organization had earlier urged the people of the state to boycott the celebrations.

Together with the Myanmar-based NSCN (K), the militant organization called for a 17-hour total shutdown on January 26 from 0100 hours (1am) till 1800 hours (6pm) on January 26.

It also claimed the responsibility for a blast that rocked Digboi in Upper Assam, although the army later rubbished the claims.

Yesterday, Assam MLA Binod Hazarika said that ULFA-I commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah should shun the path of violence and join the mainstream for "talks".

Earlier, newly-elected BTC Chief Promod Boro had also urged the leader of the proscribed outfit to join the mainstream for talks.