Clause 6 of Assam Accord: ULFA talks hinge upon report 

Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI: The enthusiasm of talks between the ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) and the Centre seems to have evaporated into the thin air. The leaders of the outfit, however, have a different story to tell. They say that are just keeping a low profile to wait and watch what line the high-power committee on Clause of the Assam Accord takes.

The Ministry of Home Affairs formed the high-power committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord to provide constitutional safeguards to the indigenous people of Assam.

The talks between the ULFA and the Government of India began on a high note at the initial stage with frequent discussions only to lose steam with the passage of time. After around six years of initiation of the talks, now the talks have almost come to a standstill.

Talking to The Sentinel, ULFA leader Anup Chetia said: “The aims and objectives of the ULFA-Government of India talks are to protect the interests and rights of the indigenous people of the State. Since the Government of India has formed a high-power committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord, we’ve been keeping a close watch on the direction the committee is going to take. The measures to be taken by the high-power committee on social, political, economic etc rights of the indigenous people of the State have much to do with our talks with the Centre. Issues mentioned in Clause 6 of the Assam Accord have much common with what we’ve been fighting for. We’re going to give the direction to our talks with the Centre in accordance with the outcome of the measures to be taken by the high-power committee.”

In a startling revelation, Chetia said: “When the first high-level committee on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord was formed before the Lok Sabha election it faced opposition from many indigenous organizations, including the AASU (All Assam Students’ Union). The Government of India offered us to lead the high-power committee for the implementation of Clause 6 of the Assam Accord. We, however, opted not to accept the offer as such an overture would’ve made us to be in conflict with various indigenous organizations, including the AASU. The Clause 6 of the Assam Accord is all about protection of all rights and privileges of the indigenous people of the State. We’re watching the activities of the high-level committee so as to steer our talks with the Centre.” Significantly, the ULFA leader also said: “We’ve made our views on Clause 6 of the Assam Accord known to the high-power committee of the Assam Accord, albeit, from a different platform.”

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