In News:

• The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) extended the ban on United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for five years under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA), 1967.
• The notification specifically includes all factions, wings, and front organizations associated with ULFA.

Reason for Extension:

• ULFA continues to pursue secessionist objectives (separation of Assam from India).
• The group is involved in criminal activities such as extortion, intimidation, and violent actions.
• ULFA has maintained links with other insurgent groups and continues to engage in illegal activities like the possession of arms and ammunition.

Peace Process:

• Pro-talks faction of ULFA, led by Arabinda Rajkhowa, signed a peace agreement with the central and Assam governments in December 2023.
• This faction has agreed to renounce violence, disband the organization, and join the democratic process.
• However, the hardline faction of ULFA, led by Paresh Baruah, remains active and continues its militant activities.

ULFA’s Formation and Objectives:

• ULFA was founded in 1979 with the goal of achieving the "restoration of Assam's sovereignty" through armed struggle.
• It has been a key player in the Assamese separatist movement for several decades.

Legal Framework:

• The UAPA (1967) empowers the government to declare an organization as unlawful or label individuals as terrorists if they engage in activities threatening India’s sovereignty, integrity, or promote terrorism and secession.
• The latest extension of the ban was made under Section 3(1) of UAPA.

Significance for Internal Security:

• This development is important for understanding insurgency and separatism in the Northeast and the government’s approach to national security and counterinsurgency.
• The ULFA issue highlights challenges in addressing regional insurgencies and the role of the UAPA in maintaining national integrity.