The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) stated that the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA), which remained a proscribed organisation for 35 years, had an estimated cadre strength of about 200–250 members based in Myanmar. It told a judicial tribunal that ULFA was likely in possession of approximately 200 weapons at present.

Justice Michael Zothankhuma of the Gauhati High Court presided over the tribunal and reviewed the documentary evidence submitted. He confirmed the extension of the ban on ULFA, including all its factions, wings, and front organisations, for five more years starting from November 27, 2024. The tribunal was set up to decide whether there was sufficient cause to continue declaring ULFA and its associated bodies as unlawful associations.

During the hearings, government representatives submitted that ULFA, under the leadership of Paresh Baruah, demanded a “sovereign” Assam. They said ULFA aimed to achieve this objective through an armed struggle.

The MHA issued a notification stating that most ULFA cadres and leaders were currently based in Myanmar and operated four major camps in the region. It also informed the tribunal that ULFA maintained links with other Indian insurgent groups for operational and logistical purposes.

The government’s counsels submitted that ULFA had a cadre strength between 200 and 250 and likely possessed about 200 weapons. They said the outfit engaged in violent acts, including attacks on security forces and explosions. They added that ULFA continued to boycott national day celebrations in Assam and attempted to carry out disruptive acts like explosions during such events.

The Assam government reported that over the past five years, security forces had arrested 56 ULFA cadres along with 177 frontmen, overground workers (OGWs), supporters, or sympathisers. It also reported that 63 ULFA cadres had surrendered during the same period. It has further stated that security forces recovered 26 arms — including one MQ 81-04 rifle, two AK-series rifles, and 21 pistols — along with 515 rounds of ammunition, nine grenades, and two improvised explosive devices (IEDs).

The Centre’s counsels told the tribunal that the Assam government provided detailed justification for declaring ULFA an unlawful organisation. These details included case files, information on charge sheets filed, and arrests of ULFA cadres and their linkmen or frontmen.

The central government submitted that 15 cases had been registered against ULFA. It said that three of those cases had resulted in charge sheets.

The MHA noted that the charge sheets showed ULFA’s involvement in extortion, attempted murder, unlawful possession of firearms, conspiracy against the State, and other illegal activities.

The government had first declared ULFA a banned organisation in 1990. Since then, it has periodically extended the ban.