Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma revealed on Friday that the final touches are being given to a peace agreement with the ULFA's pro-talks group, and it is likely to be signed either this month or in January. Sarma also extended an offer of talks to the outfit's hardline faction.

Following discussions with Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director Tapan Deka and National Investigation Agency (NIA) Director Dinkar Gupta, Chief Minister Himanta Sarma addressed reporters in New Delhi, highlighting that the talks primarily focused on security-related matters. NIA Director Dinkar Gupta briefed the chief minister on the Rohingya infiltration issue, for which Assam had registered a case, leading to raids conducted by the agency in 44 places across the Northeast.

Sarma emphasized that both the Centre and the state government are actively engaged in talks with the Paresh Baruah-led ULFA(I), the hardline faction. Simultaneously, the final touches are being added to the peace agreement with the pro-talks ULFA faction led by Aranbinda Rajkhowa, with expectations that the agreement will be signed either this month or in January. The peace agreement with the pro-talks ULFA group is anticipated to encompass political, economic, and cultural safeguards, including land rights.

In an effort to foster dialogue, Chief Minister Sarma extended an olive branch to the Baruah-led faction, asserting that violence would hinder growth and development. He emphasized that it is in the greater interest of the state and its people for ULFA(I) to reach an amicable settlement. "Violence is futile and will push the clock of development back. It will vitiate the atmosphere at a time when Assam is on a roll with investments pouring into the state," Sarma stated.

The meeting between Chief Minister Himanta Sarma and the directors of IB and NIA occurred at the Assam House in New Delhi, lasting for over an hour. Former IB special director A K Mishra, now the advisor to the government on Northeast affairs, also met with the chief minister during the visit. Sarma noted that during his five-day visit to the national capital, he held discussions with several key officials, including the president, vice president, prime minister, Union home minister, Union finance minister, Union petroleum and natural gas minister, Union coal and mines minister, and Union health minister.

As part of his engagements, Sarma has extended invitations to President Droupadi Murmu for the 50th Karbi Youth Festival in January. Additionally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been invited to inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for several projects in February, as per the chief minister's announcement.

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