No talks without Chetia, pro-talk ULFA tells Centre

OUR BUREAU & Agencies

NEW DELHI, Nov 24: Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi on Tuesday met representatives of the Assam government and United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) here and reviewed the progress made in the ongoing parleys with the rebel group.

“Discussions were cordial. The participants agreed to meet again as soon as mutually convenient to move the peace process forward,” a ministry of Home Affairs statement here said.

Meanwhile the pro-talk ULFA leaders on Tuesday made it clear that minus Anup Chetia, they won’t come forward for talks with the Centre. However, they agreed to carry forward negotiations with Delhi and Dispur equally to break the deadlock.

“Anup Chetia’s direct participation holds the key. Otherwise, the pro-talk ULFA leaders are not interested in proceeding with the talks,” said a senior Home ministry official in New Delhi.

Presided over by Rajiv Mehrish, the meeting agreed to hold talks again. Talking to reporters afterwards, ULFA leader Sasha Chaudhury said, “We talked and shared our common concern. Let Anup Chetia come. We will sit again.”

Chairman of the ULFA pro-talk faction Arabinda Rajkhowa said, “The signs are positive. We will talk to the Centre again.”