The pro-talk faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom, led by its chairman Arbinda Rajkhowa, has threatened to pull out of peace talks if the government forces them to surrender arms before the beginning of the formal talks.
The spokesman of the pro-talks faction of the Ulfa Mrinal Hazarika in a statement to the local newspapers said, “We will not surrender arms. The government is trying to set this pre-condition now. If forced to do so, we may pull out of talks.” He however clarified that the Ulfa had no problem declaring a ceasefire and signing an agreement for suspension of operations.
Asked about their reluctance in laying down arms, Mr Hazarika said, “We cannot do so because of some psychological reasons. The people of Assam certainly will never accept us laying down arms. We want an honourable entry into discussions.”
The pro-talk Ulfa leader said this in reference to Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi’s remark on Friday that like all other militant outfits, engaged in peace process, Ulfa will have to sign the formal suspension of operation and deposit their arms before beginning of the peace talks.
Mr Hazarika also confirmed that the Centre’s interlocutor, P.C. Haldar was trying to iron out differences over the laying down of arms with the pro-talks faction of the Ulfa.
Security sources said that the outfit was reluctant to deposit the available weapons.