Diphu (Assam): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Friday expressed concern over the reported recruitment of new members by the banned ULFA (I). He also maintained that the government was sincere in pursuing political solutions to all conflicts, including with ULFA (I), and was committed to fulfill all its assurances to outfits that have come forward for talks. Talking to reporters here on the sidelines of a programme, Sarma said all measures are being pursued by the government for "political resolution" of the conflict with the ULFA (I). He, however, added that reports of the outfit enlisting new cadres are a matter of concern.
The ULFA (I) has been on a unilateral ceasefire since May last year, soon after Sarma assumed charge. But there has been multiple reports of youths being recruited by the outfit. On the progress of implementation of the peace agreement with Karbi militants, Sarma said work on all the clauses of the pact has been started. The agreement with the Karbi outfits was signed in September last year. He said cases against surrendered militants under the pact, except those serious in nature, are being withdrawn.