ASSAM: After Independence Day 2023, discussions for peace are set to take place in Delhi involving the Centre, the Assam government, and the ULFA pro-talk faction, said Anup Chetia, the leader of the faction. He expressed his hope for reaching a resolution before 2024, as reported.
Addressing the media, Chetia stated, "We are optimistic about finding a solution with the Indian Government before the upcoming general election. The government recognizes that finalizing an agreement with our faction, ULFA pro-talk, could pave the way for resolving the complexities in Assam."
"Our deliberations will occur in New Delhi subsequent to the Independence Day celebrations, and representatives from both the Indian Government and the Assam Government will be present," added the leader of the faction.
Responding to inquiries about the possibility of involving ULFA-I chief Paresh Baruah in the peace process, Chetia commented, "We are in communication with him. However, whether he participates depends on the Indian Government's willingness to engage with him and his group. Presently, there exists a communication gap, as the demands put forth by ULFA(I) remain unchanged, and the Government of India cannot acquiesce to them."
Nevertheless, Chetia promptly clarified, contrary to prevailing assumptions, that Baruah is not situated in Bangladesh, as reported by PTI. "His whereabouts are unknown to us. Nonetheless, our negotiations are ongoing. The involvement of other groups in the negotiation process would be beneficial for both Assam and its residents," he emphasized.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma extended an invitation to Baruah, urging him to visit the state for a week to observe the transformations that have occurred since his departure in the 1980s. Sarma's offer assured Baruah safe passage during his visit, PTI disclosed.
The pro-talks ULFA faction initiated dialogues with the Centre as early as 2011; however, a definitive resolution remains elusive. The faction alleges that progress has been limited since the tenure of the Narendra Modi government began, despite talks reaching an advanced stage during the administration of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Cong MPs Demand Restoration of Expunged Rahul Gandhi Speech in LS
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