Talks with ULFA in 2 months

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has recently said that formal talks with ULFA will begin within the next two months.

“The process of holding talks with ULFA was proceeding in the right direction and we are hopeful of sitting for formal talks with the outfit within the next two months,” Mr. Gogoi said after holding discussions with the peace-talks interlocutor P.C. Haldar.

Mr. Haldar, who met ULFA leaders, including its Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa at the Central Jail in Guwahati appraised the Chief Minister of the steps taken so far to pave the way for holding formal talks with the outfit.

Mr. Gogoi said efforts were on to bring the ULFA ‘Commander-in-Chief’ Paresh Barua for talks but “we can not wait for him indefinitely.”

Discussions with the members of ULFA, the Sanmilita Jatiya Abartan — a body of intellectuals, and other organisations will facilitate the talks, he said.

The interlocutor’s presence in the state assumes significance following the arrival of more than 20 surrendered militants from Bangladesh to Assam to participate in the dialogue process.

The Chief Minister had said that militants were in the state, but not in police custody. They, he had said, wanted talks as they had realised that development of Assam could be made only through peace and not violence.