Secret-killings of Assam
Encyclopedia
The secret killings of Assam (1998–2001) was probably the darkest chapter in Assam
's political history when relatives, friends, sympathisers of ULFA insurgents were systematically killed by unknown assailants.
These extra-judicial murders happened in Assam
between 1998 and 2001.
During the government of AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
, a number of family members of ULFA leaders were assassinated by unidentified gunmen. With the fall of this government following elections in 2001, the secret killings stopped. Investigations into the killings culminated in the report of the "Saika Commission", presented to the Assam Assembly November 15, 2007. The report provides details about the killings, which were organized by Prafulla Mahanta
in his role as the Assam Home Minister, and executed by the police, with cooperation from the Indian Army
. The actual killers were surrendered elements of the ULFA, who would approach their targets at home, at night, knocking on the door and calling out in Assamese
to allay suspicion. When the victims answered the door, they were shot or kidnapped to be shot elsewhere.
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
's political history when relatives, friends, sympathisers of ULFA insurgents were systematically killed by unknown assailants.
These extra-judicial murders happened in Assam
Assam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
between 1998 and 2001.
During the government of AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta was the leader of the Assam Movement, a former Chief Minister of Assam and belongs to the Asom Gana Parishad , a major political party in the Indian state of Assam...
, a number of family members of ULFA leaders were assassinated by unidentified gunmen. With the fall of this government following elections in 2001, the secret killings stopped. Investigations into the killings culminated in the report of the "Saika Commission", presented to the Assam Assembly November 15, 2007. The report provides details about the killings, which were organized by Prafulla Mahanta
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta
Prafulla Kumar Mahanta was the leader of the Assam Movement, a former Chief Minister of Assam and belongs to the Asom Gana Parishad , a major political party in the Indian state of Assam...
in his role as the Assam Home Minister, and executed by the police, with cooperation from the Indian Army
Indian Army
The Indian Army is the land based branch and the largest component of the Indian Armed Forces. With about 1,100,000 soldiers in active service and about 1,150,000 reserve troops, the Indian Army is the world's largest standing volunteer army...
. The actual killers were surrendered elements of the ULFA, who would approach their targets at home, at night, knocking on the door and calling out in Assamese
Assamese language
Assamese is the easternmost Indo-Aryan language. It is used mainly in the state of Assam in North-East India. It is also the official language of Assam. It is also spoken in parts of Arunachal Pradesh and other northeast Indian states. Nagamese, an Assamese-based Creole language is widely used in...
to allay suspicion. When the victims answered the door, they were shot or kidnapped to be shot elsewhere.
See also
- Kakopathar MassacreKakopathar MassacreKakopathar Killings or the Kakopathar Massacre took place in Assam during 2006 when the Indian army opened fire at peaceful protesters at Kakopathar in Assam, killing at least 10 people....
- Assamese Separatist MovementAssamese Separatist MovementThe Assamese Separatist Movement is a result of Assamese nationalism. The alleged neglect and economic exploitation by the Indian state are the main reasons behind the growth of this secessionist movement...
- Assam conflictAssam conflictThe Assam conflict is an insurgency in the Assam state of India.The conflict started in the 1970s. It stems from tension between Assamese and alleged neglect and internal colonisation by the Indian government with its federal centre in Delhi. Additionally, the state is rich in oil resources...
- Assamese nationalismAssamese nationalismAssamese nationalism is an ideology that supports self-determination by the Assamese people.-See also:*Naga nationalism*Bodo nationalism*Tripura nationalism*Tamil nationalism*Tripura Rebellion*Assam conflict-External links:*...
- ULFA
- North-East IndiaNorth-East IndiaNortheast India refers to the easternmost region of India consisting of the contiguous Seven Sister States, Sikkim, and parts of North Bengal...