Centre says according highest priority to completing peace process 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 L.C. Goyal.

It reviewed progress made in talks with the ULFA and also to discuss their demands.

The ULFA delegation was led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa. P.C. Haldar, the Government of India's Representative for Peace Talks, Jitesh Khosla, Chief Secretary, of Assam, Khagen Sharma, Director General of Police, Assam, Pallab Bhattacharya, Additional Director General of Police, Assam, L.S.Changson, Commissioner and Secretary Home, Government of Assam, Ashok Prasad, Special Secretary (IS) in the Home Ministry and Shambhu Singh, Joint Secretary (North East) were also present.

The ULFA leaders requested for early completion of the peace process considering their demands so that a final settlement can be reached.

Home Secretary Goyal reviewed the progress made in talks with ULFA delegation.

After detailed discussion, it was decided to pursue a few specific steps on some issues vigorously. Goyal said that the highest priority has been attached for early completion of peace process with ULFA.

Among other issues, ULFA leaders mentioned that since the issue of illegal migrants in Assam needs to be solved, updation of the National Register of Citizens (NRC) - 1951 should also be prioritized.

Besides, they said, additional measures needed to be taken for effective guarding of Indo-Bangladesh Border to check illegal infiltration from across the border.

Goyal assured that the Home Ministry has been taking all possible measures to control the illegal influx from across the border. He also added that NRC work is targeted to be completed in a time-bound manner.

He said that measures have already been taken for effective border management along the International Border which have helped in curbing illegal infiltration from across the border.

ULFA representatives called for the decentralisation of powers from the state level to local bodies for empowering the local people and initiating democratic process at the grassroots level.

They said that the genuine grievances of the people of Assam need to be addressed on priority. Union Home Secretary stressed that the Government attaches highest priority to decentralization of powers and address the grievances of the people of the country, including Assam.

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