Samiran Sonowal, 22, from Margherita in Tinsukia district of Assam claimed to have joined Ulfa (I) through a Facebook post, saying he had lost all faith in the existing system and the politicians.

He opposed the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and put the word “Axom” at the end of his name like Ulfa (I) cadres. His announcement came amidst the government’s repeated invitation to Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Barua to join the peace talks.

A police source said, “Preliminary probe revealed that he left home on Monday morning saying he was going to the local market. In the evening, his Facebook post said he has joined Ulfa (I).”

Sources said three years back one of his cousins had joined Ulfa (I).

Samiran’s post said he had decided to join the outfit consciously.

“Whoever tried to raise their voice for their rights, the government tried to gag them. Though there was a need for a united movement against such atrocities, nothing of that sort has happened. All the organisations in the state have turned into a manufacturing unit of politicians only. That is why I do not trust anyone and decided to join Ulfa (I),” his post said.

He also asked others to follow suit. “Assam cannot be protected unless it becomes independent. There is no alternative to a sovereign Assam. Joi Aai Swadhin Asom (Glory to sovereign Assam),” he added.