Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said he is considering talking to United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) (I) chief Paresh Baruah.
Speaking to journalists during the “Natur Dinor Alap” event held in Guwahati on New Year’s Eve, Sarma emphasized the importance of dialogue with Baruah, asserting that engaging with him directly could shift the demands of the banned outfit.
He said, “I converse with Paresh Baruah every 3-6 months, and I am considering another conversation within the next 6-7 days.
In a move towards fostering communication, the CM informed that ministers would speak to Baruah to keep him updated about Assam’s developments, thus opening a channel for dialogue. He also shared several key announcements during the interaction.
Sarma announced a collaboration with TATA to train 5000 science graduates, with plans for major companies to establish themselves in Assam by 2024, contributing to the state’s economic growth.
Sharing his concerns on private Madrassas, he said ongoing negotiations with private Madrassa institutions aim to potentially reduce their numbers by 1000.
The Assam CM highlighted the diverse Assamese Muslim communities and discussed efforts to identify and support their specific needs, including earmarked houses and areas for Assamese Muslims.
He asserted, “It is no longer required; we already know who is Assamese. Those who have been living here for the last 200 or 300 years are the indigenous people.” This statement reflects the government’s perspective on defining the indigenous population of Assam.
ULFA Signs Peace Deal with Centre, Assam
The Centre and the Assam government signed a peace agreement with the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) insurgency group on Friday, a big leap towards peace in the north-eastern state that has suffered decades-long violence.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and a 16-member team of the ULFA faction headed by Arabinda Rajkhowa were present while signing the Memorandum of Settlement in Delhi. It came after negotiations that spanned over a decade.
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