The home ministry has agreed to set up at least nine designated camps to accommodate and confine the pro-talk faction of Ulfa rebels led by its chairman Arbinda Rajkhowa during the peace process.
Disclosing that these designated camps would be known as “Nawanirman Kendra” to rehabilitate the Ulfa rebels, authoritative security sources told this newspaper that home ministry is of view that arms and ammunitions in possession of these Ulfa rebels should be kept at the nearest police stations. However, Ulfa rebels are insisting on keeping the arms and ammunitions in the camps under double lock and key arrangement with police.
Informing that more than 300 sophisticated weapons are still with pro-talks faction of Ulfa rebels, security sources said that more than 500 weapons were confiscated from Ulfa rebels in Bangladesh before they were deported back to India.
Stating that there was no hitch in declaring the cease-fire and signing a formal agreement declaring suspension of operations with Ulfa rebels, security sources said that home ministry has also agreed to pay some stipend to the Ulfa rebels during the peace-talks.
Admitting that close to about `1 crore has already been paid to the Ulfa rebels, security sources said that a fixed amount of money would be given to Ulfa rebels for their maintenance but during the peace talks, outfit would not be allowed to collect donation or any kind of contribution.
About ongoing negotiation with the Ulfa rebels security sources said that there are minor differences over the grounds rule during the ceasefire, which will be shorted out soon. Pointing out that Ulfa was insisting for a NSCN(I-M) like arrangement, security sour-ces said that MHA was opposed to idea of accepting NSCN ceasefire model in Assam, as there have been a number of loopholes. The Ulfa leaders also wanted to use their own-armed cadres as PSO but it has been turned down, said security sources adding that state police would be providing security to the Ulfa cadres.