Mamoni, the peacemaker : Hiranya Kumar Bhattacharyya

Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan leader Hiranya Kumar Bhattacharyya speaks to Uddipana Goswami about the pioneering efforts of Indira Goswami in the peace process between GoI and ULFA

Her presence always had a sobering effect on the recalcitrant elements, people did listen to her

Mamoni Goswami had a human approach to the major problems of Assam, especially the ULFA problem. This is what motivated her to become mediator between the government and the ULFA boys. She had visited the camps of the ULFA boys also and interacted with them earlier. She certainly developed a soft corner for them. An additional advantage for her was that she was known to the Prime Minister of India very well as both of them have been teachers in the Delhi University. So, when the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) was formed, she became the bridge between Delhi and the ULFA boys. But she was too simple a person to understand the intricacies of such negotiations. She could not convey the urgency of the matter to the government but credit goes to her that she was the forerunner of any such peace talks. She was the one who broke the ice. However, she could not adopt a diplomatic approach and the government took advantage of the fact. She was a simple person and when the talks entered a crucial stage, there were many unforeseen circumstances that cropped up. Finally, the whole process was stopped. Weeks and months and years passed and the central government continued to ignore the dialogue with the ULFA. 

Meanwhile, the people of Assam were fed up. They wanted a solution to the long standing problem. Finally, some of us got together under the banner of the Sanmilito Jatiya Abhibartan. Hiren Gohain persuaded me and Dr. Nirmal Kumar Choudhury to associate ourselves with this process. The PCG had failed to carry the dialogue process to a logical end despite the charisma of Mamoni Goswami. She tried her best but the whole process was delayed. When we got together, we associated Mamoni with us. She had already been interacting with the ULFA boys and she had insight into the whole problem. She participated in quite a few of our meetings but she was not keeping well. Her presence and past experience in negotiation, however, were of great help to us.

Mamoni Goswami had great mass appeal as well. She occupied a very high position in the cultural world of Assam, just like Bhupen Hazarika. That was another asset as far as we were concerned. But as a matter of policy, we have decided that unlike the PCG, we will keep away from the media. We do interact with them from time to time, but we do not disclose the specifics. Therefore, I am not authorized to talk about the details but I can say that we are making good progress compared to the previous discussions with the PCG. This time, the negotiations seem to be taking a positive turn. The signs are all there that the government is taking notice. Unfortunately, Mamoni could not be around to take part in the ultimate discussions.

Any rational person – which Mamoni was – would approve of the path we have undertaken. Her presence could have cautioned us about the hurdles lying ahead in our path. We have been deprived of her experience. Her presence always had a sobering effect on the recalcitrant elements, people did listen to her. And that was a great advantage.

May her soul rest in eternal peace.