ULFA on the Verge of Signing Pact with Centre, Confirms Anup Chetia

Guwahati, January 25, 2020:

Pro-talks United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leader Anup Chetia on Friday has confirmed that the militant outfit is on the cusp of signing an agreement with the Government of India.

Talking to Inside Northeast, Chetia stated that the talks between the ULFA, the Central Government, and the Assam State Government are in the final stages. "During a recent book launch ceremony, peace interlocutor AB Mathur had informed that the talks with the ULFA are in the final stages and had added that a final agreement will be reached soon. Now, I would like to tell you that the discussion is in its and all that remains is for the Government to sign an agreement."

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"It depends on the Government...as to when the agreement will be signed. We would like to make an appeal to the Union Home Minister, the Prime Minister, and the to respect this struggle and sign an agreement.." Chetia stated, adding that the Government can sign an agreement any time they wish to. "The ball is in the Government's court...we are ready to sign the agreement...it is in our sight.."

Listing the set of demands set down by the pro-talks ULFA leadership, Chetia stated, "Our demands are the Constitutional safeguarding of the indigenous sons of the soil, political rights, seat reservation, land rights, among others..."

The senior ULFA leader also stated that the ULFA has urged the Government to only consider indigenous people for election to the Upper House of Parliament.

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"I do not see any possibility of the ULFA (I) joining the peace process....they are a completely separate outfit, so I do not think it would be wise for me to comment on that", Chetia said, talking about the non-talks faction led by Commander-in-Chief Paresh Baruah, currently in exile in Myanmar (reportedly).

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