The anti-talk faction of ULFA headed by Paresh Barua has stir a major controversy by asking NEEPCO and NHPC, the two public sector power companies to quit North East region and if not face the military action. The Guwahati based media outlets have widely reported the said news. ULFA has reportedly blamed NEEPCO dam located at Yazali for recent flooding in Assam. The allegation is not a new one but it is for the first time that ULFA has interfered in the matter and issued a public threat against the hydropower developer. Several Assam based organization has been constantly blaming that Ranganadi hydro power project causes flooding in districts like Lakhimpur and Dhemaji.
They have been opposing the Subansiri Lower hydropower project being executed by NHPC with the fear that it will lead to major flooding in future. The direct involvement of ULFA against hydropower project by issuing open threat should not be taken lightly. The Paresh Barua led anti-talk faction still yields significant influence in Assam. Taking advantage of situation the anti-social elements might create atmosphere of unrest in the region. North East region has suffered enough due to militancy. After much effort finally peace seems to be prevailing in the region. Government should not allow UG groups to dictate terms in the matter of developmental project. But there is a need to take affected people into confidence while initiating any new project so that anti-social elements do not take advantage of the situation.