Appeals Baruah faction to join peace process too.
Welcoming the decision of the pro-talk faction of United Liberation Front of Asom (Ulfa) to declare unilateral ceasefire for paving the way for talks with the Centre, the Assam government today appealed anti-talk faction led by Paresh Baruah also to join the peace process.
The pro-talk faction of the outfit, led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, had declared the ceasefire yesterday and said the decision was taken at the 5th general council of the organisation, held on February 22.
“Ulfa with a view to exploring a lasting peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict, resolves to cease all forms of armed campaign for an indefinite period,” said Ulfa’s statement.
In a statement, the Assam government said: “We welcome the initiative and we will take all steps for facilitating the peace talks.”
The Assam government appealed the anti-talk faction to “come forward for talks” and said it was “committed to keep the doors open for talks with the group”. However, the state government added a caveat that it would not wait “indefinitely” for the Paresh Baruah faction.
“Government of Assam is always ready for talks with any organisation which shows willingness for discussion on all outstanding issues in a peaceful manner. The government of Assam also appeals to Ranjan Daimary faction of National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) and militant adivasi organisations to come forward for talks. In this regard, the government of Assam has already initiated discussion NDFB (progressive), Adivasi Cobra (ACMA) and Birsa Commando Force (BCF),” it added.
