Assam's Ulfa leader Anup Chetia out on bail, to join ongoing peace talks

GUWAHATI: Having secured bail from a special court, Anup Chetia, the general secretary of militant group United Liberation Front of Assam, will now join the ongoing peace talks between the Union Government and pro-dialogue faction of Ulfa.

Judicial Magistrate, Kamrup (Metro) on Wednesday granted bail to the Ulfa leader in connection with a case registered by the CBI, on the condition that he would not leave the country without prior permission from the court and not hamper the process of investigation. Chetia was extradited from Bangladesh last month.

Speaking to media persons after his release, Chetia said he was in favour of restoring peace in the state and will participate in the peace talks.

"I feel there is a need for a united democratic struggle with all the tribes and communities of Assam to secure the identity of the Assamese people. I have spent half of my life while fighting for the cause of Assam and its people. I look forward to work for the people of Assam in the days to come," the Ulfa leader said. Chetia said many quarters had suspected that as in 1992 we would not participate in the dialogue with the government.