[8] The conflict started in the 1970s[8] following tension between the native indigenous Assamese people and the Indian government over alleged neglect, political, social, cultural, economic issues and increased levels of illegal immigration from Bangladesh.

[15] The alleged neglect and economic, social, cultural and political exploitation by the Indian state are the main reasons behind the growth of this secessionist movement.

Founded at Rang Ghar, a historic structure dating to the Ahom kingdom on April 7, 1979, the ULFA has been the subject of military operations by the Indian Army since 1990, which have continued into the present.

The neglect and exploitation by the Indian state are common refrains in the Assamese-language media[18] with some reports casting the ULFA leaders as saviors.

[26] In December of the same year, an improvised explosive device planted in a train compartment on its way from Dibrugarh to Delhi, India, blast killing 5 civilians and wounded five more.

The Adivasi People's Army (APA)[34] claimed responsibility for the attack through an email, and the police suspected that National Democratic Front of Bodoland for the bombing.

[35] Suspected APA militants attacked and wound Zakir Hussain, leader in the Assam Minorities Students' Union (AMSU); he held the position of Kamandanga unit assistant secretary.

[57][58][59] Throughout its history, the Swadhin Axom movement has been shaped by visionary leaders who have tirelessly advocated for the rights and aspirations of the Assamese people.

[67] The region's strategic importance, owing to its abundant natural resources and geographical location, has made it a focal point of Indian government policies.

[72] The state is endowed with abundant mineral resources, including oil, natural gas, coal, and limestone, making it a significant contributor to India's economy.

[73][74] However, the extraction and utilization of these resources have been a point of contention due to issues of ownership, environmental degradation, and equitable distribution of revenues.

[76] Natural gas is another significant resource found in Assam, with major reserves located in areas like Sivasagar, Jorhat, and Dibrugarh.

[85] Assam has been plagued by several instances of human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, rape, and other forms of violence, often attributed to the presence of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the region.

In the aftermath of the Assam Accord (1985), which aimed to resolve the issue of illegal immigration,[89] a series of extrajudicial killings occurred, particularly in the town of Kakopathar.

[92][93] The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act has been a subject of controversy in Assam, with allegations of its misuse leading to widespread human rights abuses.

[94] Under AFSPA, security forces have broad powers, including the authority to shoot to kill, conduct searches without warrants, and arrest individuals without formal procedures.

[104][105][106] One of the major issues in addressing human rights violations in Assam has been the lack of accountability and the failure to bring perpetrators to justice.

[113] The Assam Accord of 1985, which sought to address these grievances, failed to satisfy ULFA's demand for independence, leading to further escalation of the conflict.

[125] The region's complex demographic dynamics, marked by ethnic diversity and historical grievances, contribute to the nuanced nature of the debate surrounding Swadhin Axom.

[129] This proposal envisions a political entity that would bring together various ethnic groups in the region, including the Assamese, in a federal arrangement that respects their distinct identities and aspirations.