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Himanta Biswa Sarma hopeful of ULFA-I’s return to mainstream

PUBLISHED:

Guwahati: Assam Health and Finance Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma has once again sent out an open invitation to ULFA(I) to join the peace process. However, Sarma maintained that the process will not be an easy task while expressing hope that the ULFA(I) will return to the mainstream. This comes after ULFA(I) Commander-in-Chief Paresh Baruah indicated that the rebel group may come to the negotiating table given the core issue of sovereignty remains the prime agenda.

Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Pro-talks faction is on with ULFA (I). We have made an offer to mister Paresh Baruah who is heading the anti-talk faction of ULFA (I). We have asked him to join the peace process, but this is not an easy task as you know they are demanding sovereignty. So this will be a complex process but nevertheless we are hopeful.”

In a significant statement, the BJP strongman also said that the Government of India will reach out to all the rebel groups in Manipur as well as the ULFA-Independent.

Dr. Sarma added,“As of now whatever we have seen is the media response but no personal contact has been established with him so far. But yes, we are examining his statement because the statement has got some positivity. So let us analyse the statement and talk to the MHA (ministry of home affairs) along with PM Modi, whenever they visit Assam, and only then, we will go forward with the talks.”

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