Sun Jan 26 01:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Assam Chief Minister Hoists Flag in Former Militant Stronghold on Republic Day

**Dibrugarh, Assam, January 26, 2025** – In a symbolic move highlighting the progress made in combating militancy, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hoisted the national flag at the Khanikar Parade Ground in Dibrugarh on Republic Day. This marks the first time the central Republic Day celebrations have been held in Dibrugarh, a district historically considered a stronghold of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) (ULFA(I)).

Dibrugarh remains one of four districts in Assam designated as a “disturbed area” under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act. Despite the ULFA(I)’s continued call for a boycott of Republic Day and Independence Day celebrations, including a declared “total strike” from midnight to 6 pm on Sunday, the Chief Minister’s choice of location underscores the state government’s commitment to asserting its authority.

Extensive security measures, implemented a month prior to the event, were in place. These included the manning of inter-district boundaries, riverine routes, and train patrols by the Railways Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP). Approximately 400 additional security personnel from other districts joined the Dibrugarh police, army, and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) in maintaining order. A thorough security sweep, including house-to-house surveys, was conducted within a three-kilometer radius of the parade ground.

The Chief Minister himself tweeted about the event, stating that Dibrugarh has “come a long way” from being affected by militancy to hosting the Republic Day celebrations. This follows an incident just five months ago where the ULFA(I) claimed responsibility for planting 24 inert bombs across Assam on Independence Day.

While the event was marked by heightened security, the choice of Dibrugarh as the venue serves as a powerful statement of the government’s resolve against militancy and its determination to bring peace and development to even the most affected areas of the state.

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