Once a hardcore ULFA leader, Hira Sarania, who is now a part of the pro-talks group, has decided to be a part of the democratic system.
He will be contesting the upcoming elections as an independent candidate from the Kokrajhar Constituency.
Several organizations from the Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC), as well as a number of Non-Bodo groups, are supporting Sarania's candidature.
The ex-ULFA commander is hoping to serve the people by taking the democratic path.
Sarania said: "I have lived among the common people and interacted with them for a long time now. And, I know that we cannot achieve anything by taking up arms."
Lafikul Islam, General Secretary of the All Bodoland Minority Students Union, said: "ULFA was once a big organization. Now, they are in talks with the government and have come before the public. Hira Sarania wants to serve the people. What he couldn't do for the public while being a part of ULFA, he wants to do it now."
Sarania had joined ULFA's peace talk group under the leadership of chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa.
A majority of insurgent groups in Assam, including factions of ULFA, DHD (J) and NDFB, are already in peace talks with the government.
The government's rehabilitation policy is encouraging more and more misguided youths to abjure violence and join the mainstream.
Following the ceasefire agreement with the government, the pro-talk ULFA group has also been exercising their franchise by voting in the elections.
The willingness of the people to participate in the electoral process is a symbol of their faith in democracy.
