The Hindu Business Line : Tea sector blames Centre for ULFA `notices'

Leaders in the Assam tea industry have blamed the Union Government and its recent peace initiatives vis-a-vis the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) for the recent spurt in extremist activity in the valley.

According to them, terrorist problem in that region gained several dimensions over the last one month when the Government and ULFA carried out an informal ceasefire, which was extended twice and ended on September 20.

"In the last one month, as the Army officials moved out of the valley, the ULFA activists regrouped and we started receiving the extortion notices and the situation drastically deteriorated", an industry leader said.

Last week, the ULFA militants shot dead the manager of Hulung Holi tea garden, which is located in the Tinsukia district.

Moreover, several tea garden owners received extortion notices from the banned outfit.

The industry is now heaving a sigh of relief because the ceasefire has been withdrawn and the army has started moving in from early Sunday morning.

It was also learnt that one of the key ULFA members has been shot dead by the army but there was no official confirmation.

"The army's presence is extremely crucial. In the past, things had improved and lots of problem were solved only because the army was around", sources said.

Tea output

Assam, with a production of 475 million kg out of a total national tea production of 928 million kg, holds a key share of over 50 per cent.

After several years, the industry is getting good prices in the market too.

The industry leaders are, however, at a loss when queried whether the army's presence is a permanent solution to the ULFA problem of the State.

"We really do not know. It is a Catch 22 situation. Instead of highlighting the problem, let us now consider the prospects of industry", the industry leader said.

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