New Delhi (Agency): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed optimism about the ongoing dialogue with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Tuesday. According to a government statement, he affirmed that the talks are progressing in the right direction with the pro-talks faction of ULFA.
ULFA, a separatist organization formed in 1979 with the demand for a “sovereign Assam,” has been involved in various subversive activities, leading the central government to ban it in 1990. However, the Rajkhowa-led faction started unconditional talks with the Indian government in 2011, resulting in an agreement for Suspension of Operations, signed among ULFA, the central, and state governments.
One of ULFA’s demands, concerning the protection of the identity of indigenous people, has already been fulfilled following the delimitation of assembly and parliamentary constituencies in Assam. This achievement marks a significant step towards reconciliation and peace in the region.
Chief Minister Sarma did not provide a specific date for the finalization of the peace agreement with the pro-talks faction. He also discussed the possibility of bringing the hardline faction of ULFA, led by Paresh Baruah, to the negotiation table. Expressing hope for the future, Sarma said he believed a day would come sooner or later when even the hardline faction would accept the “olive branch” extended by the government.
Last week, a delegation of ULFA, including its “chairman” Arabinda Rajkhowa, “general secretary” Anup Chetia, and leaders Raju Baruah and Sasha Choudhury, engaged in talks with senior officials from the Union home ministry and the Intelligence Bureau.
The peace talks and the negotiations with ULFA represent an essential aspect of the Indian government’s effort to bring stability and development to Assam. By addressing the demands and concerns of ULFA, the government aims to integrate them into the mainstream, thereby fostering unity and mutual trust.
