Centre negotiates talks with militants for peace in north-east

The Centre has been making consistent efforts to bring various militant outfits to the negotiating table in order to ensure that peace prevails in the northeast region.

To aid the process, it has been encouraging militant outfits to shun violence and get back into the mainstream.

While a lot of the groups have already signed the ceasefire pacts and Suspension of Operations agreements, the government is engaged in talks with many others in an effort to bring peace.

"Regarding all the parties, who are under the Suspension of Operations, we would like to ensure that peace prevails and understanding remains. Nobody should try to create trouble when things

are improving, and I think, all parties involved will apply their wisdom so that we can secure our objective of peace in the northeastern region," said Minister of State for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

Recently, a tripartite meeting involving representatives of the Assam Government and pro-talks faction of the ULFA led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa was held in New Delhi under the chairmanship of Union Home Secretary L.C. Goyal to review the progress of talks and discuss the demands.

The delegation has requested for early completion of the peace process and the government has assured that settlement with the group is a high priority.

The delegation also called on Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and Minister of state for Home Affairs Kiren Rijiju.

"Our agenda has not changed and we have discussed it and presented it before them. They have not expressed any opposition to our points and have given us assurance that a final decision will be taken as soon as possible," said Rajkhowa.

"The delegation from ULFA gave their points. For their rehabilitation, both the Centre and state government are working together and they have also acknowledged that there is a common understanding that settlement should take place," said Assam's Chief Secretary Jitesh Khosla.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar had also recently appealed the insurgents to shun the path of violence and assured them all possible help from his government in their rehabilitation.

"On behalf of the government, we have helped many and they are leading a new life now. We are assuring you the same. If you shun violence and the wrong path and try to lead a normal life, from our

side we assure you all possible help," said Sarkar.

A prolonged period of insurgency has adversely impacted the socio-economic growth in the northeast region.

The government is taking all possible steps to bring the militant outfits to the negotiating table so that normalcy is restored and the region prospers.