Assam CM Sonowal appeals ULFA(I) to join peace talks with govt

Guwahati: Is pressure building on United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA -Independent) chief Paresh Baruah to shun the path of violence and join the mainstream? Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Monday urged to the ULFA (I) faction to come to the mainstream and participate in the peace talks with the government of India.

Addressing to media persons on sidelines of his visit to Kokrajhar to grace the 18th celebrations of Bodoland Day, CM Sonwal further appealed to ULFA(I) chief Paresh Baruah to come to the mainstream and lead of the peace talks so that every section of Assamese society can collectively work together in establishing Assam as a developed state.

“In a historic example like all four factions of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) displayed today by signing the Bodo Accord, I appeal to ULFA(I) to come to mainstream and participate in peace parleys” Sonowal added.

Meanwhile, ULFA pro-talk leader, Anup Chetia, who also attended the Bodoland Day celebrations at Kokrajhar on Monday also appealed Paresh Baruah and his faction to come the negotiation table.

“I appeal to Paresh Baruah to come forward for discussions so that we under the banner of ULFA can place our demands before the Central government and find a final solution,” Chetia expressed.

Also Read: Assam village victim of acute drinking water problem for decades

It is to mention here that senior Assam minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has also appealed to ULFA(I) for joining in peace talks.

Significantly, ULFA(I) chief Paresh Baruah in his recent communication to a leading newspaper of state expressed that he is not against talks with the government until ‘sovereignty of Assam’ as the precondition for the discussions.

“We have always maintained that sovereignty should be the core issue for talks. There is no point talking on other issues. Let the Government talk on sovereignty and try to make us understand why we should not get sovereignty,” Baruah said.

Baruah further clarified that there has been no official communication inviting him for the peace discussions is made so far from the government representatives.

“We have seen media reports where ministers appealed to us to come for talks and we also made out stand clear through the media,” he expressed.