ULFA chairman writes to Assam CM seeking dialogue

Taking a step forward to hold a dialogue with the Government of India, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has sent a letter to Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressing his outfit's desire to hold unconditional peace talks. This, of course, is subject to the approval of ULFA's general council that will be held soon.

Gogoi said the letter sent by ULFA was a positive signal for the peace process and it was up to the outfit to come forward for talks as soon as possible. 

Stating that the outfit's central executive council would be meeting soon, the CM said, "I have received a letter from Rajkhowa about ULFA's willingness to sit for the talks. The dialogue process is moving in the right direction. I can't say exactly on which date the talks will be held, as it will be decided only after the ULFA executive council meets and decides.

"When the talks will be held is now up to them. The decisions taken at the meeting will be communicated to the government for the beginning of the peace talks," he added.

At ULFA's executive council meet all the top leaders recently released from jail will decide on how to go about the peace process. The decision taken in the central executive body will have to be ratified by the outfit's general council.

The final call on the peace talks will be taken by Rajkhowa, ULFA's adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain, vice chairman Pradip Gogoi, deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua, central publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, foreign secretary Sasadhar Choudhury, finance secretary Chitrabon Hazarika, cultural secretary Pranati Deka and the  group's east zone in-charge Ramu Mech collectively.

Meanwhile, ULFA will have to apply to the central tribunal in New Delhi for lifting the ban imposed on it. The outfit is likely to submit the application through its counsel by January 31.