The much awaited peace accord between the government and ULFA is likely to be signed before the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016 gets cleared in the Parliament.
“The talks are in the final stage. The peace accord will be signed by this year,” said ULFA chairman Aurobinda Rajkhowa in New Delhi.
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An ULFA delegation led by Rajkhowa had held talks with the government in New Delhi on Monday. ULFA leaders Anup Chetia, Mithinga Daimary were also present in the talks that was attended by government mediator AB Mathur and joint secretary in the Home Ministry (NE) Satyendra Garg.
“With the signing of the accord, we will get rights over land, economy and political rights under the Indian constitution,” said Rajkhowa.
The ULFA leadership, however, raised their voice over the controversial Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2016. They have reportedly raised their protest before the Government representatives against the Bill.
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The pro-talk ULFA leaders have said that though the demand for scrapping of the Citizenship Bill was not part of the original charter of demands submitted to the Government of India, they have placed the fresh demand later.
“Rest of our demands have more or less been settled,” said Rajkhawa. Rebati Phukan missing issues was also discussed in the talk with the government officials.
“They (central representatives) have said that central intelligence agencies have not kidnapped Rebati Phookan,” said Rajkhowa quoting officials. The talks also discussed on the deployment of second line of defence force along the border areas, consisting of ULFA cadres and Assam youths.
Rajkhowa further said that the pro-talk faction does not have any issue, if Paresh Barua and his team come for talks. “ULFA will be dissolved once the accord is signed,” said Rajkhowa.