Assam separatist movements are insurgency movements operating in India's oil-rich state of Assam. The conflict started in the 1970s following tension between the local Assamese and the Indian government over alleged neglect and internal colonisation through its federal centre in Delhi. The conflict has resulted in the deaths of 12,000 United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) members and 18,000 others. The secessionist goals of the separatist movement in Assam have lacked popular support, with most Assamese sympathizing with the separatist groups but not empathizing with their goals.