'Extradited Ulfa leader would have positive impact on talks'

Following the handing over of Ulfa jailed general secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh to Indian authorities on Wednesday, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said that the extradited Ulfa leader would have a positive impact on the ongoing talks between the government and faction of the militant outfit.

"We believe Anup Chetia will play an important role in the ongoing peace talks between the government and the Ulfa faction engaged in talks," Gogoi said in a statement issued on Wednesday adding that his government has long been demanding for extradition of Anup Chetia for a fruitful peace talks.

Gogoi said that Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh informed him about the development over phone and said that Bangladesh government has handed over Anup Chetia to the High Commission of India in Bangladesh.

Gogoi said that government of India should handover Anup Chetia to Assam once he is brought to the country as it has been done in case of some other Ulfa leaders including Arabinda Rajkhowa.

He also said that government should give Anup Chetia adequate opportunity to play an important role in the peace talks between government and faction of the ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa.

Meanwhile, Assam Director General of Police Khagen Sarma said that following the handing over of Chetia to India by Bangladesh, the defiant Ulfa commander in chief Paresh Baruaha "who is leading a faction and is against the talksa" will be isolated.

"This is big development, improved relationship with Bangladesh has ensured smooth handing over of Anup Chetia," Sarma said on Wednesday adding that this development will put pressure on Paresh Baruah.

"He (Baruah) is now left alone with most of top Ulfa leaders are under the peace process," the DGP said while adding that the Assam Police will seek the custody of Chetia once government of India formally communicates to Assam police.