Meet an ex-commander in the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) Pranjit Sakhia. Today, Sakhia is a changed man, a lover of natural farming and cultivator of marigold. In a candid interview with The Art of Living Bureau of Communication, Sakhia shares his beliefs, struggle and the 180* degree life change.
ABC: What is the reason for this struggle happening in Assam?
PS: I was born in a small village in Assam. Growing up, I felt the government wasn’t doing anything for us. There was no development happening there. We have a lot of resources in Assam. The royalty from the resources went to the government, none in development. We have never had a say in what happens with our land. We are fighting to preserve our identity amidst the constant influx of refugees. Our language, our culture, and our resources are under threat. Our voices were silenced, adding to our frustration.
ABC: Tell us about your journey into ULFA.
PS: I was involved in the struggle since 1982. Initially, I took up non-violent means. We used to protest peacefully. But the excessive force was applied to control our dissent. The police and army were sent in to restrain us. We stood in protest, and they beat us up and cleared out the roads. Then the media published that everything was peaceful with no signs of a struggle. I decided to take up arms because peaceful protests weren’t getting the message across. I believed that nothing would happen without guns. I rose to the rank of a commander in ULFA. I’ve been to many places. We didn’t even have vehicles, so we used to travel by foot in thick forest areas. We walked all the way to Afghanistan via Bangladesh, Nepal, China, and Pakistan. I was in Bangladesh for quite a while. I changed my name, got a fake passport and we used to carry out our operations from there. I was involved in many conflicts involving guns. I have survived many bullet wounds. In fact, I still have a bullet lodged in my arm here.
ABC: How did you decide to quit the arms struggle?
PS: I was in Bangladesh when I got arrested on 19 December 2010. For two months, I lived in a small 2x4 room. I had handcuffs throughout the day. It was dark and dingy. There was no light. I wore a blindfold even on my way to the bathroom, a few cells away from mine. I’ve been through hell.
I was transferred from Bangladesh to India in February 2011, where the government interrogated me and put me in jail. I was there for about six months when I got an invitation letter from Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar to start a peace process. There has been no looking back since then. I chose ceasefire and took up whatever he asked me to.
ABC: What was it that Gurudev said which changed your mind?
PS: He came and told us, ‘You haven’t done anything wrong.’ It was very moving for me. He understood the reason for our struggle. He gave us a better means to achieve our goals. He told us to engage our youth in good work. Focus on the transformation that happens when energy is constructively engaged. What he said about peace was so beautiful. He suggested we take up a service project.
ABC: What was it that Gurudev said which changed your mind?
PS: He came and told us, ‘You haven’t done anything wrong.’ It was very moving for me. He understood the reason for our struggle. He gave us a better means to achieve our goals. He told us to engage our youth in good work. Focus on the transformation that happens when energy is constructively engaged. What he said about peace was so beautiful. He suggested we take up a service project.
ABC: How did natural farming happen?
PS: Sri Sri Ayurveda, along with Omni Actives came forward and invested in us. They gave us marigold seedlings along with active technological and financial support. The Sri Sri Natural Farming team provided me with organic manure and pesticides. They’ve given us 100 percent buyback for our produce at an excellent rate. This natural farming initiative has benefitted innumerable farmers in our state. I’ve become very enthusiastic, and have inspired others too! I’ve started 22 ceasefire groups, and we are now engaged in red chili production. I have four shops where I sell natural products, and we plan to expand our business. We’re doing well!
I now know that taking up arms was not the right path. However, it was a natural reaction to the injustice around me. But I’m on a better path now. I could never have imagined that common people can create such projects and progress.
The views expressed in this interview are purely individual opinion.
Story credit: The Art of Living Bureau of Communication
Published: December 2017
