The Assam government on Wednesday in principle decided to take the initiative to initiate dialogue with top leaders of the banned United Liberation Front of Assam, even without the participation of the outfit's commander-in-chief Paresh Barua, who is yet to be arrested.
"The Assam Cabinet, in a meeting held today, in principle decided to initiate dialogue with the ULFA, whose top leaders are now in jail. In view of the go-ahead received from the central government, we have decided to send signals to the ULFA leaders to come forward for dialogue, which may take place even if the ULFA's fugitive commander in chief Paresh Barua doesn't come for talks," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told media personnel after chairing the Cabinet meeting.
Gogoi claimed that the decision of the government was based on 'hints' it had received from majority of the top leaders of the ULFA, who were willing to hold talks.
"We also wanted to talk with Paresh Barua, but, as I had said earlier, we can't go on waiting for him. I hope he will also come forward for talks," Gogoi said, adding that the state government's decision will be conveyed to the Centre.
Gogoi claimed that the insurgency situation in the state had improved a lot and thanked the police, Army and paramilitary forces. He also appreciated the people of Assam at large, certain organisations and leading citizens who had urged the government to hold talks with ULFA to find a permanent solution to the problem.
He termed the decision on starting the process to hold a dialogue with the ULFA as a 'big one' and hoped that the ULFA leadership will respond to it positively.
