ULFA using Orkut to garner support

GUWAHATI: The banned ULFA is using the internet to attract sympathisers for its cause, with the popular networking site Orkut being used for the purpose.

ULFA is already known to be techno-savvy, with its mouthpiece 'Freedom' updated on internet and its statements to the media routed through email. It is now suspected to be targeting the techno-savvy new generation and the people living outside the state, including NRIs, through forums on Orkut.

There are more than 20 Orkut communities related to Assam, which in some way or the other are a platform to discuss issues of militancy in the region. Though most forums are platforms for constructive discussions, at least a couple of them propagate a 'sovereignty' campaign and are sympathetic to the cause of the militants.

The proscribed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), the largest insurgent outfit in the region, which has been demanding 'sovereignty' for Assam from its 'colonial rulers' India, has a large number of supporters on Orkut.

Assam Police is still ignorant of the fact while the Army is understood to be looking into it.

Similar two sites of Manipur, 'UNLF' and 'Free Manipur', also propagate a 'free' Manipur. The communities maintain that Manipur had been subjected to 'colonialism' by India and they have the right to regain their 'sovereignty'.