Youths joining ULFA (I) nothing new: Himanta Biswa

Assam Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said that there are nothing surprising about United Liberation Front of Assam (Independent) chief Paresh Baruah's nephew joined the outfit.

"If he (nephew) doesn't join the ULFA (I), who will? Like the Congress party, he (Paresh) too chose his own blood to take forward his mission, as his next heir," said the Minister.

"There is nothing new in youths joining the ULFA (I). Every year, 150-200 youths join the outfit. I have seen this since 1985," said Sarma.

Himanta Biswa Sarma also criticized former Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for latter's remarks that many youths have joined ULFA (I) and Sarbananda Sonowal-led Assam government has failed to maintain law and order situation."He (Gogoi) said that many youths have joined the ULFA (I) under the present government. Was there no ULFA (I) during his tenure? Are the ones arrested as ULFA (I) during his tenure were fake?" asked Sarma.

Books on ULFA or ULFA (I) have entered the list of best sellers in the 20th Northeast Book Fair. On inquired about the reason behind it, Sarma replied, "Books written by me 'Somagoto Samay' also created record sale but it was not highlighted by the media."