Assam CM Aims To Ink Accord With ULFA's Pro-Talk Faction Within This Month

• Image Credit: Google

• Dec 15, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government is targeting the signing of a peace accord with the...

Digital Desk: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has announced that the state government is targeting the signing of a peace accord with the pro-talk faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) within this month or possibly by January next year.

Speaking to reporters in New Delhi, CM Sarma expressed optimism about the progress made in drafting the peace accord but mentioned that some final touches were still pending. He emphasized the government's commitment to fostering peace in the region and revealed plans to engage in talks with the Paresh Barua-led ULFA-I outfit once an accord with the pro-talk faction is successfully inked.

"We are targeting to sign an accord with the pro-talk faction of the ULFA within this month. Once the accord is signed, we will make serious efforts to initiate talks with the ULFA-Independent. By the end of this year or in January next year, we want to ink the accord with the ULFA's pro-talk faction," CM Sarma said.

Regarding recent incidents of alleged grenade attacks in upper Assam, Sarma urged ULFA-Independent cadres, including commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, to reconsider their actions. He stressed that such acts of violence would hinder Assam's development and benefit no one.

"Acts of violence will take Assam backwards. Explosion of a few grenades will not make Assam independent, but Assam will suffer. Such incidents will halt the development of Assam. I want to ask, who throws bombs on their own motherland?" questioned CM Sarma.

Responding to questions about holding talks with Paresh Barua, the Chief Minister acknowledged that communication with the ULFA-I leader was not an issue. However, he highlighted the challenge of reaching agreements on serious issues.

"I keep speaking to Paresh Barua sometimes. Even if I want to talk with him tomorrow, I can do so. Talking to him is not the issue. But we both have our own compulsions. The matching of opinions is the real issue here. Holding talks is not the issue," clarified CM Sarma.

As Assam strives for peace, the Chief Minister remains hopeful that the upcoming accord with the pro-talk faction will pave the way for constructive dialogue with the ULFA-Independent, contributing to the overall stability and development of the region.