The Paresh Barua faction of the Ulfa (Independent) decided not to observe its raising day of slated on April 7 in view of the coronavirus outbreak. In a video clip sent to the media on Sunday, the outfit also asked the people of the state to maintain social distancing and restrain from celebrating the Bihu festivities and remain indoors.

Ulfa (I)’s publicity wing leader Rupak Asom in a video clip said that they have decided to stay away from celebrating the 41st raising day of the outfit in the wake of the coronavirus outbreak. Rupak, nephew of the outfit’s chief Paresh Barua, made an appearance in a video for the first time after he joined the outfit in November 2018.

He said, “The Ulfa (I) has decided to skip the raising day celebration and will observe one-minute silence in memory of those members who had sacrificed their lives in the liberation struggle of Assam. Besides, people of the Assam should also refrain from celebrating Rongali Bihu this year in view of the outbreak. We can celebrate Bihu next year in a grand way but at this moment it’s important to stay safe.”

He also exhorted the people of Assam to observe one-minute silence in memory of the “martyrs” of Assam’s liberation struggle on April 7.