Guwahati
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday said the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) faction led by its army chief Paresh Baruah was the last hurdle in the government’s efforts to ensure complete peace in Assam.
The faction calls itself ULFA (Independent) or ULFA (I).
Speaking at an event in Guwahati on the occasion of the 74th Republic Day, he appealed to the extremist group to join the mainstream to “make Assam an island of peace”.
Mr. Sarma said that 30 years back when Mr. Baruah had chosen the path of armed struggle, today the situation in Assam has improved a lot.
“I don’t question anyone’s patriotism but the new generation has a right to have a peaceful Assam. Times have changed and people’s thinking too. ULFA should not shy away from this change.
Underlining the peace deal with several extremist groups, the chief minister said “irreconcilable” differences with the ULFA(I) had come in the way of resolving issues.
He had earlier said that talking to Mr Baruah was not an issue, but the extremist leader was adamant on holding discussions on his own terms. He had said, “He only wants to talk about the independence of Assam, but I have taken an oath to protect the integrity and sovereignty of India.”
“If the people of Assam can assure them that no one will call them traitors if they give up the demand for sovereignty, it may change their mindset,” Mr Sarma had said.
The ULFA(I) operates from Myanmar’s Sagaing Division, although Mr Baruah was said to enjoy Chinese hospitality in Ruili, close to the Myanmar border.
“If the people of Assam can assure them that no one will call them traitors if they give up the demand for sovereignty, it may change their mindset”Himanta Biswa SarmaChief Minister of Assam