Assam CM Sarma rules out immediate peace talks with Paresh Baruah

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

Himanta Biswa Sarma rules out immediate talks with Paresh Baruah led militant outfit United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) faction. He said that he is in touch with Baruah.

Sarma said «As the political head of the state, I will continue to reach out to him.

I usually talk to him every three or six months and I plan to speak to him again soon, but I don't expect him to come for talks immediately,» Sarma said during an interaction with journalists.

He said that it is not easy for Barua to give up the issue of sovereignty, but he must realise that the people of Assam do not want it anymore. «He is fighting for the people of the state, but people want development and not an independent Assam,» he said.

«The ULFA charter of demands was prepared several decades ago and if Barua comes and stays in the state for 15 days, he will also change the demands as Assam is now a land of peace and tranquillity.

We have kept the channels for discussions open, but we do not see talks happening in the near future. This is a long process which will continue,» the CM added.

With a peace pact with United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) inked, Assam government is now trying to engage ULFA (independent) in the peace negotiations.

Baruah has remained aloof to peace overtures of the government and has stated on several occasions that it will sit for talks if “restoration of Assam’s sovereignty” is made the agenda of discussion.

Baruah while talking to local news channels on Saturday said that he is not upset or upbeat with the pact.

He is not averse to dialogue. “We are open to discussion keeping in history and principles of the state.

There is no problem discussing our core issue. Just discussing our core issue will not mean that it