The Assam film industry was jolted on Wednesday by a directive from the banned insurgent group, ULFA (Independent). In an emailed statement, the outfit's publicity wing member, "Captain" Rumel Asom, urged cinema hall owners across the state to temporarily halt screenings of Hindi films.
Their stated objective? To pave the way for a three to four-week exclusive run of "Protishruti," an Assamese film tackling the devastating issue of drug abuse.
The Assamese cinema, produced by Ratul Baruah, is likely to hit the screens on May 24.
Asom emphasised the importance of the film's message reaching "every section of society and the young generation."
He highlighted the film's potential to raise awareness about the destructive impact of drugs.
ULFA (I) justified its intervention by citing its past efforts in the 1990s to combat drug trafficking and abuse. The statement comes amidst ongoing concerns about drug use in Assam, despite government and security agency efforts.
The directive carries weight due to ULFA (I)'s history of issuing diktats to cinema halls. However, the film's producer, Ratul Baruah, welcomed the development.
He viewed it as a positive step to promote the film's anti-drug message and lauded any effort to safeguard the younger generation.
This is not the first time ULFA (I) has sought to influence Assamese cinema.
It's important to remember the group's origins – formed in 1979 to advocate for an independent Assam.
While a faction led by Arabindo Rajkhwoa recently signed a peace accord, ULFA (I), under Paresh Baruah, remains outside the peace process.
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