He was arrested by West Bengal police when working on a tip-off from the army, he was picked up way back in 1998 by cops from Kolkata’s New Market area. Charged with TADA and other cases in Guwahati and Sivsagar, he was released in February 2010 only as part of the ‘deal’ to facilitate peace talks. He has been to New Delhi for peace talks with the government in February and August – 2011. In the following interview, he talks about various complex issues.

E.P: You have been in ULFA delegation for formal talks both in February and this time on August 5. How are things really moving?

P.G: Talks are definitely progressing in the right direction. The August 5th meeting has given it a fast forward movement. We have made it clear that all on-going issues between the people of Assam and the Government of India can be honorably and meaningfully resolved peacefully only by a fresh look at the issues.

E.P: By giving up your principal demand of sovereignty, are you not on the defensive?

PG: The fact is just the opposite. We have said sovereignty does not mean secession. Assam’s is a case of historic neglect. The people of Assam are insecure in their own homeland. By sovereignty, our stand is that the people should get inalienable rights to control their lands and the resources.

E.P: Notwithstanding your argument, the government sources say the first round is with them. Have you have come too far to go back to violent days again?

There is no threat for us from Baruah. He is surely one of us. We are also expecting Anup Chetia to join us for talks soon.

PG: Does it mean, we went the violent way by choice? The Government of India can not deny that Assam was allowed to languish in backwardness as other areas marched ahead. Can you deny the role of oil from Assam in developing India’s economy? But, today, the people of Assam want peace. The ULFA general council passed a resolution, we said we want peace with honour and dignity. The unconditional talks also mean honourable dialogues.

EP: In the August 5th meeting, you presented a 12-point charter of broad areas for talks. The Government of India still wants specific details?

PG: Don’t worry about that. We have assured the government that all details will be submitted as talks progress phase wise. This way, the talks will progress well. In our charter of broad issues for talks, we have demanded Constitutional and political arrangements and necessary reforms including sealing of international borders. We also suggested for development of a native force to man the borders.

EP: What about the Paresh Baruah faction? He seems go be recruiting cadre and there are reports that some of you pro-talks leaders could be targeted?

PG: There is no threat for us from Baruah. He is surely one of us. We are also expecting Anup Chetia to join us for talks soon. The people of Assam do not want to revisit violence again. We have mentioned time and again that we want an across the table solution to the problems within a reasonable time frame. We have declared unilateral ceasefire from our end. So we are showing enough sincerity.