Ulfa, government discuss charter of demands

NEW DELHI: The United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) and the Centre on Tuesday began talks on the charter of demands submitted by the outlawed organisation.

The charter of demands includes Constitutional amendments to give Assam greater control over its natural resources, revenue generation, participation in the planning process, ensuring a secure demographic situation, besides accelerated and balanced development. While the six-member Ulfa team was led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, the government side was led by Union Home Secretary RK Singh. Also present was the government of India representative for the talks, PC Haldar, and senior representatives of the Assam government.

After the preliminary discussion on Ulfa's demands, Haldar has been requested to hold further meetings with chief secretary, Assam and Ulfa leaders, to explore possible solutions.

Rajkhowa told reporters before the talks that they would "explain long-standing demands of the region and the aspirations of the people."

After the meeting, Home Secretary Singh said the steps taken by Ulfa leaders for restoration of peace and normalcy would yield speedier socio-economic development for the people of Assam. Singh will periodically review the status of the talks.

The government and Ulfa entered into a ceasefire earlier this year after the rebel leadership was released on bail. Ulfa, one of the biggest rebel outfits in Assam, has fought for an independent homeland for the Assamese since 1979. At least 10,000 people, mostly civilians, have died in Assam because of fighting between government forces and rebels in the past three decades.

Though almost all of Ulfa's central committee is on board the peace initiative, the outfit's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah is opposing the talks and stands firm on his sovereignty demand. He has accused his pro-talks colleagues of agreeing to negotiations under the influence of the "enemy" (government of India).