Assam: ULFA (Pro-Talk) Demands Reservation in 94 Constituencies for Indigenous People

JORHAT/GOLAGHAT: The pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has put forth a demand for reservation in 94 assembly constituencies in Assam to ensure political representation for the state's indigenous population. An office bearer of the organization, ULFA (pro-talk) General Secretary Anup Chetia, revealed that they have submitted their proposals regarding the draft peace agreement to the Central government and are currently awaiting a response.

Chetia emphasized the importance of securing reservation in 94 seats of the Assam Legislative Assembly, particularly in light of the recent delimitation exercise. In August, the Election Commission released its final delimitation report, maintaining the number of assembly seats at 126 and Lok Sabha constituencies at 14, with the state having seven Rajya Sabha seats. The report also included revisions to the nomenclature of one parliamentary and 19 assembly constituencies.

Regarding long-standing issues associated with ULFA, Chetia expressed his confidence in the present government's ability to address these concerns amicably. He stated, "We are awaiting a positive response from the Central government to our suggestions. We are optimistic and commend the sincerity demonstrated by the Centre."

Chetia additionally called for an accurate National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Assam, suggesting that the cut-off year for implementing the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) in the state should be 1951, as opposed to 2014. The CAA aims to grant Indian citizenship to individuals belonging to specific religious minorities who entered India on or before December 31, 2014, from Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Afghanistan.

Expressing optimism, Chetia anticipates that the "peace agreement with the Centre will be signed very soon," potentially resolving the longstanding issues raised by the organization. ULFA (pro-talk) Vice President Pradip Gogoi underscored that the agreement's implementation would address critical issues at the grassroots level. He further clarified that the ULFA would eventually dissolve, with the organization refraining from entering politics or contesting elections. Any ULFA members participating in elections would do so as individual efforts.

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