New Delhi, December 09: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today expressed confidence that the insurgent group United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) will soon make a political statement and offer talks with the government.
The Minister informed the Rajya Sabha during Question Hour that if they made an offer of talks, the government was prepared for it.
However, 2 ‘Coys’ of the self-styled 28th battalion of ULFA, which had declared an unilateral ceasefire, had submitted a charter of demands to the State government, he pointed out.
About other insurgent groups in Assam, he said tripartite talks were presently underway with Dima Halam Daogah (DHD), United Peoples Democratic Solidarity and DHD(J). About insurgency in two other states of the North-East, the Home Minister said the government was in touch with NSCN(I) and NSCN(K) and was confident that sooner or later, it would move on the path of talks. Besides, militant activities in Tripura had by and large been contained. The Home Minister said, ”My appeal to all the insurgent groups in the North-East is that they should abjure violence and give up their demand for sovereignty. We are willing to hold talks with them on any matter of concern whether it be mining or infrastructure.
Though this has paid dividends in the last few weeks, I have not received any concrete offer for abjuring violence and hold talks.”
—Agencies