Tripartite talks held with ULFA Highest priority to early completion of peace process May 15, 2015 .
Tripartite talks held with ULFA
Highest priority to early completion of peace process
New Delhi, May 15, 2015
A tripartite meeting involving the representatives of Government of Assam, and ULFA was held here today under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary Shri L.C. Goyal to review the progress made in talks with ULFA and also to discuss their demands. The ULFA delegation was led by its Chairman Shri Arabinda Rajkhowa. Shri P.C. Haldar, Government of India’s Representative for Peace Talks, Shri Jitesh Khosla, Chief Secretary, Govt. of Assam, Shri Khagen Sharma, DGP, Assam, Shri Pallab Bhattacharya, Addl. DGP, Assam, Mrs. L.S.Changson, Commissioner & Secretary Home, Govt. of Assam, Shri Ashok Prasad, Special Secretary (IS) MHA and Shri Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary, North East, MHA were also present.
ULFA leaders requested for early completion of the peace process considering their demands, so that a final settlement can be reached. Union Home Secretary reviewed the progress made in talks with ULFA delegation. After detailed discussion, it was decided to pursue a few specific steps on some issues vigorously. Union Home Secretary said that the highest priority has been attached for early completion of peace process with ULFA.
Among other issues, ULFA leaders mentioned that since the issue of illegal migrants in Assam needs to be solved, updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) – 1951 should also be prioritized. Besides, additional measures need to be taken for effective guarding of Indo-Bangladesh Border to check illegal infiltration from across the border. Union Home Secretary assured that the Ministry of Home Affairs has been taking all possible measures to control the illegal influx from across the border. He also added that NRC work is targeted to be completed in a time-bound manner. He said that measures have already been taken for effective border management along the International Border which have helped in curbing illegal infiltration from across the border.
ULFA representatives called for the decentralisation of powers from the State level to local bodies for empowering the local people and initiating democratic process at the grassroots level. They said that the genuine grievances of the people of Assam need to be addressed on priority. Union Home Secretary stressed that the Government attaches highest priority to decentralization of powers and address the grievances of the people of the country including Assam.
After the meeting with the Union Home Secretary, ULFA delegation called on the Union Home Minister Shri Rajnath Singh and Minister of State for Home Affairs Shri Kiren Rijiju.