"The rise of the Maoists can be attributed to the aspirations of the common man to lead a life of dignity and we foresee its influence extending more in Assam," he said. The ULFA leader also alleged that the Centre was practising double standards in dealing with the Maoists in different parts of the country. "The Centre had entered into agreements with the Maoists in Odisha and Chattisgarh releasing their jailed leaders in exchange for release of abducted prominent personalities, but in Assam the security forces were killing innocent activists at the behest of the Centre," Barua alleged.
The statement noted that everybody has the right to protest and "we, too, condemn the killings and offer our heart-felt condolences to their bereaved families". Four Maoist activists of the armed wing were killed in an encounter with the Assam police at Sadiya along the Assam-Arunachal border on Wednesday. Intelligence sources said the Maoists had formed their armed wing recently at Sadiya in Upper Assam, considered its base, and were active along the Assam-Arunachal Pradesh border with efforts to form an armed wing in Lower Assam too.