CM Himanta Biswa Sarma: ULFA peace talks hit sovereignty roadblock

State madrassas on police radar

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that the peace process with the ULFA has hit a crucial roadblock – sovereignty.

On New Year's Day, the Chief Minister said, "I cannot sit for peace talks with ULFA chief Paresh Baruah as I took an oath to protect the sovereignty of India. Baruah also cannot give up the precondition of sovereignty for peace talks, as he feels that the people may term his 'betrayer' for such a step. If the people of Assam convince Baruah that they will welcome him if he gives up the precondition of sovereignty for peace talks, he may agree to sit across the table. The government is ready for talks as and when Paresh Baruah comeS. The ULFA refrained from subversive activities for the past Two years."

The Chief Minister said, "We experiment with the waragainst jihadis, fundamentalists and drugs. We take Muslims with positive thoughts as stakeholders. It helps us keep watch on madrassas from a close range. The madrassas are on the radar of the state police force. The police arrested many people with jihadi links last year. The year 2022 witnessed the end of the tribal insurgency in the state, with the government signing agreements with militant groups, mainly those belonging to the Karbis, Dimasas, Adivasi etc. The forces recovered 757 arms, 5983 assorted ammunition, 131 grenades, IEDs etc."

The Chief Minister said, "The police seized drugs worth Rs 781 crore last year, against drugs worth Rs 400 crore the previous year. Smugglers use Assam as a corridor for the transportation of drugs. By seizing such a huge quantity of drugs, the Assam Police contributed much to the Central Government's drive against drugs."

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