The Hindu : Opinion / Editorials : COWARDLY ATTACK

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Wednesday, Aug 18, 2004

Opinion

Opinion - Editorials

COWARDLY ATTACK

THE EXPLOSION THAT killed 16 children in Assam on Independence Day must rank as one of the most barbaric among the countless atrocities committed by the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA). If the extremist group wanted to make its presence felt and convey the message that it can strike at will in the State, it has certainly managed to do that. But through the heinous attack at a school in the remote district of Dhemaji, the terrorist organisation that claims to be waging war against the Indian state on behalf of the Assamese has exposed itself as utterly anti-people. Among the people of Assam, ULFA's stock is already low. Since the mid-1990s, they have made it clear in several ways that they do not support the group's terrorist methods and its extortionist ways. Sunday's attack may have helped ULFA score some dubious points against the Centre and the Assam Government. It is true that such an attack could not have been planned and carried out without some help and support on the ground. But judging by the outrage the killings have provoked in Dhemaji and elsewhere in the State, and the outpouring of sympathy for the bereaved parents, it is clear that once again the organisation has earned no points with the majority of the people in Assam.

At the same time, it is not at all surprising that some of the people's anger is directed against the Government for failing to ensure the security of their children. The attack on the school ground was not the only one in Assam on Sunday. There was an explosion at another school in the same district and one more in Dhubri district, in lower Assam. It was only sheer luck that these attacks caused no casualties. The incidents have shown up an appalling failure of intelligence and an inexplicable lowering of guard in a State that has been experiencing terrorism for over two decades. The complacency is all the more disturbing because these were not entirely unexpected incidents. Over the last two months, a spate of explosions and at least one case of abduction have been reported from across Assam. Since November 2003, when militant groups in the Northeast announced a ban on the screening of Hindi films, ULFA has notched up five attacks on cinema halls. The latest of these took place last Saturday. It is evident that the organisation has relentlessly kept up the pressure on the State. In such a situation, the bland admission following the school killings by the Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, of a lapse in security is shocking. The State Government has more explaining to do than that.

The attacks have also shown that while ULFA may have suffered some setbacks in the December 2003 military operation by Bhutan against the group's hideouts on its soil, its other networks continue to operate effectively. India must continue to press Bangladesh to ensure it does not allow safe havens within its boundaries for ULFA or other extremist groups operating in the Northeast. As for talks with ULFA, one of its leaders recently said the group was prepared to drop two of its preconditions for negotiations with the Centre — namely that talks should be held outside India, and through a foreign mediator — provided New Delhi was willing to discuss the issue of sovereignty. It cannot seriously expect the Indian Government even to consider such a demand. If it is sincere about holding talks, it must avoid grandstanding.

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