Wanted insurgency mastermind Anup Chetia aka Golap Baruah handed over by Bangladesh

GUWAHATI: After years of diplomatic engagement, Bangladesh has handed over General Secretary of outlawed militant outfit, ULFA Golap Baruah alias Anup Chetia to India in the wee hours of Wednesday.

However, it is not clear yet if he will be brought to Assam or will be taken to New Delhi. This is a significant development for the NDA government, which is pushing for completing talks with the pro-talk ULFA faction. Anup’s coming into the care of the law enforcement agencies will further strengthen the pro-talk faction and further isolate the anti-talk group led by Paresh Baruah.

Union Minister of state for Home Kiren Rijiju confirmed the handing over of Chetia by Bangladesh. "This is indeed a big development and points to how improved relationship with Bangladesh is helping both neighbouring countries.’

Rijiju said Chetia will be brought to Assam as the state agencies will interrogate him. “Right now, I cannot say if he will be first taken to New Delhi or brought to Guwahati. However, he will come to Guwahati. This will help in the peace process. Prime minister, Narendra Modi's leadership has helped in improving ties with Bangladesh.”

Chetia who is in Central jail in Kashimpur area of Dhaka in Bangladesh was one of the founder members of ULFA. Chetia was first arrested in March, 1991 in Assam but was later released by the government.

In 1997, he was arrested in Dhaka for illegally carrying foreign currency and a satellite phone. He was sentenced to seven years of imprisonment by a Bangladeshi court. His jail term is over.