ULFA(I) Chief Paresh Baruah Signals Peace Talks on Condition of “Sovereignty”

Guwahati, January 29, 2020:

United Liberation Front of Assam-Independent (ULFA-I) chief Paresh Barua has signaled that the banned outfit would join peace talks with the Government of India (GoI) on the condition that “sovereignty” is the main agenda.

According to reports, the ULFA chief said, “We are demanding sovereignty and that is the one-point agenda for us. It should be on the negotiating table. There is no need to go to Delhi for discussions, we would want the talks to be held in Assam.”

ALSO READ: Assam BJP President Ranjeet Dass Urges ULFA(I) Leader Paresh Baruah to Join Peace Talks

Baruah also made it clear that ULFA would refrain from taking part in any discussion that “binds in formalities,” adding, “We want talks in a positive atmosphere with one-point agenda. The government should be sincere. We are always positive but have doubts about Centre’s motives.”

In a statement issued by ULFA(I), Baruah said that if they are able to discuss about a sovereign and independent Assam and come to a conclusion on the matter, they would “definitely sign the deal”.

ALSO READ: Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Calls Forth ULFA (I) Chief Paresh Baruah to Join Peace Talks

It may be mentioned here that Assam Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP State president Ranjeet Kumar Dass have called forth Baruah to come ‘overgroun’ and discuss peace with the Centre.

The matter of peace talks between ULFA(I) and the government has come after the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leaders inked the Bodo Peace Accord recently.

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