The pro-talks faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Assam led by its chairman Arabinda Rajhowa on Tuesday denied receiving any money for maintenance of its cadres and their families from the government as reported in a section of the media.
In a statement issued to the media, the ULFA (pro-talks) leader Arabinda Rajkhowa stated that the group had not received any money from the government, and such reports were baseless and part of a sustained campaign to tarnish the outfit's image.
He was responding to media reports that said that the group had taken Rs 40 lakh from the Centre for maintenance of its cadres as the group was reeling under severe financial constraints since they came out of hiding last year.
Sources said that the group needs money for medical treatment of some of its cadres who have been suffering from various ailments since the past several months. Some cadres would also have to be diagnosed in hospitals located outside the state.
Moreover, a source said that the ULFA needs funds to establish a truce-time camp for the cadres who are currently hiding in different parts of Nalbari and Baksa districts in lower Assam.
Most of the cadres who came out in support of the peace talks are from the 709 battalion, headed by commander Hira Sarania, and some from the 109 battalion.
Meanwhile, the issue related to weapons belonging to the pro-talks faction of the ULFA has remained unresolved, with the ULFA faction not agreeing to Centre's proposal for keeping the weapons under a 'double' lock -- with one key with the outfit -- and the other with the government.
The next round of talks is likely to be held in June. The group is expected to place the charter of demands which is currently being prepared by the nine-member Sanmilito Jatiyo Abhibartan, comprising eminent intellectuals in the state.
The charter is expected cover a wide range of issues ranging from the political, economic, culture to the environment and ecology.
