Assam: 'Hopeful' ULFA chairman files bail pleas

The self-styled chairman of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam, Arabinda Rajkhowa on Monday moved bail petitions in the designated TADA in Guwahati through his counsel in relation to the six cases pending against him.

The ULFA chairman filed the bail petitions following release of five senior ULFA leaders on bail from jail in the last six months that has raised hopes for beginning of a dialogue with the outfit.

The senior ULFA leaders who have been released on bail so far include vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua, central publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and senior most leader and advisor Bhimkanta Buragohain.

Their release has been possible after the government decided

not to contest their bail applications in the interest of the peace process.

The ULFA had earlier stated that all its central executive members in the jail should be released to enable the outfit's central committee to meet in a free atmosphere to take a decision regarding holding dialogue with the government.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had already stated that there would be no inordinate wait for ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Barua for holding a dialogue with the outfit.

Gogoi added that the peace process was on the right track

The Union home ministry had assigned its interlocutor P C Haldar to facilitate dialogue with the ULFA in consultation with Gogoi.

Haldar has met ULFA Chairman Rajkhowa in jail on a few occasions.