Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked the Assam government to start the process of peace talks with the state’s biggest insurgent outfit, the United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa). Former Intelligence Bureau chief P C Haldar is going to start the initial dialogue with a group of prominent intellectuals of the state that act as the bridge between the rebel outfit and the government.
“I have briefed the Prime Minister about the peace process in the state vis-à-vis Ulfa. He has asked me to initiate the talks. I am expecting the dialogue to start soon. The government interlocutors will work out the modalities,” Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said here today.
Gogoi also looked confident that the talks would bring results, brushing aside apprehensions that talks with Ulfa leaders in jail will not mean much, as Paresh Barua — the outfit’s military wing chief — is still opposed to peace talks. “I will again ask Paresh Barua to come for dialogue. He should read the writing on the wall. Already, most of the Ulfa leaders have surrendered and its support base has eroded,” Gogoi said.
A few months ago, Ulfa’s ‘chairman’ and main ideologue, Arabindo Rajkhowa, was “caught” at the Indo-Bangladesh border, boosting chances of the peace process. Rajkhowa is believed to have fallen out with Barua and is keen to find a political solution to their various issues. Gogoi once again made it clear that the issue of sovereignty will not be discussed.
“Nine of the Ulfa’s top leaders are in custody, while nine others are fugitives. I believe they are hiding in neighbouring countries but they, too, will be forced to join the peace process. Even as Paresh Barua is not keen for talks, we will go ahead,” Gogoi said today.
The Prime Minister will also meet civil society activists who are trying to act as a bridge between Ulfa and the government.
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On the question of releasing the militant leaders currently in police custodies, Gogoi hinted that the government might not set them free soon. “There are serious charges against their names. First of all, they will have to apply for bail. And, this is a matter to be decided by the courts,” the chief minister added.
Congress party sources claimed the peace initiatives would be a major political issue in the Assembly elections, slated next year.