ULFA-govt peace talks begin to end insurgency in Assam

To give fresh impetus to the ongoing peace process, the Centre is holding a dialogue with the ULFA today. They are expected to discuss the group’s demands to find a lasting solution to the three-decade-old insurgency in Assam. Union Home Secretary R K Singh has met the ULFA delegation in Delhi, led by its ‘chairman’ Arabinda Rajkhowa to discuss on ‘charter of demands’ as part of the government’s efforts to carry forward the dialogue process. [caption id=“attachment_361379” align=“alignleft” width=“380” caption=“Union Home Secretary R K Singh. PIB”]  [/caption] Observance of ground rules for ceasefire signed by both sides, surrender of arms and ammunition and total halt of operations by security forces against the pro-talk faction are some of the other issues which are expected to be discussed in the meeting. Both sides will discuss various aspects of the group’s ‘charter of demands’ which sought amendment in the Constitution for finding “meaningful” ways to protect the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Assam. Representatives of the Assam government and Centre’s pointsman for ULFA talks PC Halder is also expected to participate in in the meeting. The ULFA team will also meet Home Minister P Chidambaram. Among other demands of the group include discussion on grounds for “ULFA’s struggle and their genuineness”, status report on missing ULFA leaders and cadres numbering around 50 including those missing since 2005 when Bhutan government had conducted offensives, and other socio-economic issues. With inputs from PTI