Assam minister Biswajit Daimary said the ULFA "protected the state from outside forces for over five decades". Speaking to reporters here, Sarma said the distinction was important as the pro-talks faction had entered into a peace agreement and was no longer operating as a banned militant. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma says minister Biswajit Daimary praised the pro-talks ULFA faction, not banned ULFA(I), amid Congress complaint.