The incomplete auditorium at Baughmara

Dibrugarh, Oct. 9: The Assam government has taken up the task of completing an auditorium started by Ulfa. The outfit had started building the auditorium as part of its “social work” programme in 1989.

The choice of the site is also significant, as Baughmara, 10 km from here, was once a centre of activities of the banned outfit, particularly in the eighties.

“The auditorium would have been completed in another four months, but army operations disrupted the programme, with those engaged in the construction fleeing out of fear,” said Dimbeswar Gogoi, a resident of the village.

The state government took over the construction, which had been abandoned for years. Labour, planning and development minister Prithibi Majhi has sanctioned Rs 15 lakh in two phases from his local area development fund, as the village falls under Lahowal constituency, which he represents. “We are indeed thankful to the minister for sanctioning funds to complete the construction. This will help us organise social and cultural events like Bihu from now onwards”, Gogoi added.

At a time when security forces have launched massive operations against the banned outfit in various parts of the state, many others, like 60-year-old Nandeswar Das, headmaster of Baughpara lower primary school, are hoping that “hostilities from both sides will come to a halt.”

“In the eighties, Baughpara was the hub of all political activities. Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, general secretary Anup Chetia and chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa used to come to the village. Top Ulfa leaders like Jugal Kishore Mahanta and Sourav Gogoi were familiar faces to the youths of our village. They used to organise Bihu, Rabha Divas and other cultural functions,” Das said.

“We need development, jobs or self-employment for our youths, as well as better roads. These things are our priority now”, another villager said.