Centre holds talks with ULFA

A tripartite meeting involving the representatives of Government of Assam, and ULFA was held here today under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh to review the progress made in talks with ULFA and also to discuss their demands.

The ULFA delegation was led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa.

Anil Goswami, OSD, S. Jayaraman, Special Secretary, MHA, P.C. Haldar Government of India's Representative for Peace Talks, Sailesh, Principal Secretary (Home and Political), Government of Assam, Khagen Sarma, Additional DG, Government of Assam, Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary, North East, MHA were also present.

Among other issues, ULFA leaders requested that additional measures are needed to be taken for effective guarding of Indo-Bangladesh border to check illegal infiltration from across the border.

Union Home Secretary stated that the government is committed to take all possible measures to control the illegal influx. He added that measures already taken along international border have helped in curbing illegal infiltration from across the border.

Singh reviewed the progress made in talks with ULFA delegation. After detailed discussion, it was decided to follow up on a few specific steps on some issues. He also stated that a meeting was required with the heads of various Central Ministries and Government of Assam, in connection with the different issues raised by the delegation.

ULFA representatives requested that genuine grievances of the people of Assam need to be addressed on priority.

The Union Home Secretary responded by emphasizing that the government attaches highest priority and importance to address the grievances of the people of the country including Assam.