Guwahati: The peace agreement with the pro-talks faction of ULFA is likely to be concluded by the end of May. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed hope for a fruitful solution to the ongoing talks with the United Liberation Front of Assam. "Talks are underway with the pro-talks factions of ULFA and the government has already given them a draft of the agreement to be executed. If the pro-talks faction does not accept the draft, then the issue will be put on the back burner," the chief minister said on Thursday. "We are hopeful that a peace agreement with the pro-talks faction of ULFA will be signed by the end of May," he added.
The draft of the peace agreement has been handed over to the pro-talks faction of ULFA in view of talks with the Centre and Assam government. Sarma also said that the process of peace talks with Paresh Baruah-led United Liberation From of Assam (Independent) is not on the right track.
In the past, the pro-talks faction had expressed disappointment over the central government's "lack of will and sincerity" in handling the peace accord. Now, it remains to be seen how the ULFA adopts the draft of the peace agreement. Reacting to this, ULFA leader Anup Chetia said his organisation would take a final decision only after consulting the issue with the central committee of ULFA.
Meanwhile, ULFA (I) chief Paresh Baruah has already confirmed that peace talks won't be possible until the central government shows the willingness to discuss the core demand for 'sovereignty' even though the government's talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) are in progress. Meanwhile, ULFA (I) is stepping up its efforts to further strengthen its organisational base. Recently many youths from upper Assam have joined the banned arms organisation. ULFA (I) sought to put pressure on the state and central government saying it's up to the governments to end the impasse.
