New Delhi: Giving a fresh impetus to the
ongoing peace process, the government will hold talks with the
banned ULFA on Tuesday with an aim of finding a lasting
solution to Assam's three-decade-old insurgency problem.
Top ULFA leaders will discuss with government
representatives various aspects of the group's 'charter of
demands' which sought amendment in the Constitution for
finding "meaningful" ways to protect the rights and identity
of the indigenous people of Assam.
Observance of ground rules, signed by both sides,
surrender of arms and ammunition and total halt of operations
by security forces against the pro-talk faction are other key
issues which are expected to be discussed, official sources
said.
The ULFA team, led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa,
and representatives of Central and Assam governments,
including Interlocutor P C Halder, are also expected to
deliberate in detail on various aspects of the ground rules of
the Suspension of Operations.
Before the formal talks on October 25, both sides are
likely to hold informal talks to acquit themselves with each
other's views.
Members of the rebel group -- numbering around 600 -- are
now put in special camps, which will be called as 'Nabanirman
Kendras'.
In its 'charter of demands', the ULFA also demanded
change of rules and law and said a solution to their demands
was not possible under the provisions of the existing
Constitution.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, October 23, 2011, 10:05