Another Assam accord in the offing?- TIMESNOW.tv - Latest Breaking News, Big News Stories, News Videos
India's most wanted fugitive, ULFA commander Arabinda Rajkhowa is in custody but unfortunately it appears that he could be given a safe passage. The stage is all set for talks with the ULFA. Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi says he supports a safe passage for ULFA commander Rajkhowa.
TIMES NOW has accessed the details of the secret pact between the Indian government and the ULFA. Highly placed sources have told TIMES NOW that no criminal charges will be filed against Rajkhowa and that talks with ULFA are likely to begin anytime soon.
It is told that the government is working on the modalities of Rajkhowa's first appearance after his arrest. Sources say Rajkhowa's custody will appear like a surrender, not a capture or arrest.
The secret ULFA-government pact is a reminder of a similar accord inked almost 25 years ago to bring peace to restive Assam.
Even as the goernmentt is tightlipped about the pact, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has said that the door for talks with the ULFA are now open.
A clear indication, however, came from Home Minister Chidambaram addressing the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, when he said that the ULFA would soon make a political statement.
Chidambaram said, "I think in the next few days, the ULFA will make a political statement. If that political statement offers talks with India, our government is prepared for talks, provided they give up arms and give up demand of sovereignty."
Former DGP of Punjab KPS Gill has said that the government still needs to test whether the ULFA is sincere in its attempt for talks.
When asked whether he thought another accord process would work this time, Gill said, "When government starts talking, a part breaks off and makes impossible demands, and resorts to violence. I hope that doesn't happen in this case. If this accord leads to peace, it would be a good development."
Replying to a question whether the ULFA might use this to ensure safe passage for its leaders, he said, "Government always keeps the doors of negotiation open. The ULFA is yet to be tested, to see if they are sincere. But I think the ULFA can be taken as trustworthy, that they have agreed to certain negotiations. I feel it would be a good development, and it would be good to repose trust in this endeavour."
Even the People's Consultative Group which has been spearheading the talks from the ULFA's end has now urged the terror outfit not to put forth any pre-condition.