Austin wrote in the note to the London headquarters on October 4 that the ULFA’s “inspiration is the State of Israel. But it seems extraordinary that the organisation should make an approach to us on the political level, while at the same time, threatening our commercial interests in Assam,” Martin added. The diplomatic letters were sent to London at a time when the ULFA’s activities had spread much fear in Assam, dominating public discourse. On Austin, seeking advice on whether he should hold further meetings with the ULFA functionaries, Martin wrote that no such meetings should be held. Martin wrote, “The ULFA is a militant organisation pursuing violent means to subvert the established order in Assam.

Source: Hindustan Times September 12, 2020 18:32 UTC