A group wants the govt and ULFA to make a new start
A group of prominent citizens of Assam organised a state-level convention on April 24 with an aim to revive the peace process between ULFA and the Central government. More than 130 ethnic and state-level organisations participated in this event. The move has been welcomed by the self-styled commander in-chief of ULFA, Paresh Barua. Issuing a statement to the media through an e-mail, Barua said ULFA would never give up its demand of sovereignty.
He further added that all the participants were committed to the Constitution of India that had already taken away the legitimate rights of the people of the state. Moreover, Barua claimed that some 12, 000 people lost their lives in the fight between security forces and ULFA. He said the outfit would never compromise with its demand for the sake of holding talks. But on the other hand, member of the organising committee of the convention, Dilip Patgiri, said: “We are hopeful and I think this convention will help solve the problem of our state. The convention had formed a steering committee whose work is to suggest both the ulfa and the government to take the right decision in resolving the burning issue that has rocked the state for long.”
Meanwhile, ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and vice-chairman Raju Baruah, who are in jail, declined comment on the issue. This clearly indicates that there are growing differences of opinion amongst ULFA leaders. Analysts said there is no consensus in the party on the issue.
However, leader of the 28th battalion Jiten Dutta said: “Paresh Barua only dreams of a sovereign Assam. It is easy to declare war from a foreign country. He doesn’t understand the problem local people are faced with. We hope that the convention will have a positive impact on the discussion process.” He said those who are fighting for the outfit now want peace. They support the new move. But Jiten added: “The organisation is not divided on this issue. Of late, Paresh Barua’s popularity has been waning. Only a handful of cadres back him. Only 10 to 15 members are with him. It is easy to send an e-mail from a foreign country. He keeps himself away from reality.”
The day-long state-level convention called upon both the government and the ULFA to come forward for talks without any further delay and precondition. Now the ball is in the ULFA’s court. It would be interesting to see how the outfit reacts to the offer. Insiders say chances are that they may not let this opportunity go. With its top leadership behind bars and its chief on the run, the outfit has little option left than to resume peace talks with the Central government. If it happens then peace may finally return to Assam.
A group of prominent citizens of Assam organised a state-level convention on April 24 with an aim to revive the peace process between ULFA and the Central government. More than 130 ethnic and state-level organisations participated in this event. The move has been welcomed by the self-styled commander in-chief of ULFA, Paresh Barua. Issuing a statement to the media through an e-mail, Barua said ULFA would never give up its demand of sovereignty.
He further added that all the participants were committed to the Constitution of India that had already taken away the legitimate rights of the people of the state. Moreover, Barua claimed that some 12, 000 people lost their lives in the fight between security forces and ULFA. He said the outfit would never compromise with its demand for the sake of holding talks. But on the other hand, member of the organising committee of the convention, Dilip Patgiri, said: “We are hopeful and I think this convention will help solve the problem of our state. The convention had formed a steering committee whose work is to suggest both the ulfa and the government to take the right decision in resolving the burning issue that has rocked the state for long.”
Meanwhile, ulfa chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and vice-chairman Raju Baruah, who are in jail, declined comment on the issue. This clearly indicates that there are growing differences of opinion amongst ULFA leaders. Analysts said there is no consensus in the party on the issue.
However, leader of the 28th battalion Jiten Dutta said: “Paresh Barua only dreams of a sovereign Assam. It is easy to declare war from a foreign country. He doesn’t understand the problem local people are faced with. We hope that the convention will have a positive impact on the discussion process.” He said those who are fighting for the outfit now want peace. They support the new move. But Jiten added: “The organisation is not divided on this issue. Of late, Paresh Barua’s popularity has been waning. Only a handful of cadres back him. Only 10 to 15 members are with him. It is easy to send an e-mail from a foreign country. He keeps himself away from reality.”
The day-long state-level convention called upon both the government and the ULFA to come forward for talks without any further delay and precondition. Now the ball is in the ULFA’s court. It would be interesting to see how the outfit reacts to the offer. Insiders say chances are that they may not let this opportunity go. With its top leadership behind bars and its chief on the run, the outfit has little option left than to resume peace talks with the Central government. If it happens then peace may finally return to Assam.
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