Peace overture with ULFA on right track: CM Himanta

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa said that the government was trying to create an atmosphere to make the government and ULFA chief Paresh Barua sit across the table without any hindrance. He is hopeful of peace talks with the ULFA chief.

The Chief Minister said, "Some people are in touch with Paresh Barua for peace talks. The feedback from these people suggests that the peace overture is right on track. The only hurdle is that they (ULFA) want discussion on the issue of sovereignty. It's not possible for any government.

"The government indirectly reciprocated the unilateral ceasefire from the ULFA. There has been no conflict between security personnel and the ULFA after the ceasefire announced by the outfit. The State government and the Centre respond positively to the gesture from the outfit. We don't want any hostility in the state. It's the beginning of the end of the ULFA problem.

"Almost all insurgent outfits of the state are giving up arms. Especially, the tribal-based outfits are joining the mainstream. The tribal civil societies are playing a crucial role in this regard."

On boundary disputes with the neighbouring states, the Chief Minister said, "All chief ministers of the states are holding talks among themselves as boundary disputes are dampening the collective spirit of the region. I hope to resolve all boundary problems with Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh by 2022.

"We will raise a few issues of Assam at the next review meeting of the Central government on the AFSPA (Armed Forces Special Power Act). We want to rationalize the Act."

On NRC, Clause VI of the Assam Accord and the issue of ST status to six ethnic groups, the Chief Minister said, "NRC is sub judice with the Supreme Court of India. The high-power committee on Clause VI of the Assam Accord gave some recommendations. Some Acts are stumbling blocks in executing those recommendations.

"The ST communities have been objecting inclusion of more communities in the ST list. We will make the leaders of the ST communities and the groups seeking ST status sit at a meeting and sort out the differences between them."

Regarding the grip of the NDA in the Northeast, the Chief Minister said, "For the first time in Assam, the BJP-led coalition made it to Dispur for two consecutive terms. The NDA is in power in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura as well. The NDA is tightening its hold in Nagaland and Manipur. If the NDA's grip becomes strong in the Northeast, it will help solve most of the problems afflicting the region."

Also Read:  Join mainstream for peace: BTR chief to Paresh Barua

Also watch: