GUWAHATI, July 2 � All the constituents of the newly formed platform of four rebel groups of the northeastern region have equal rights, claimed the commander-in-chief of the United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent), Paresh Baruah. He also said that Manipur-based rebel groups would join the new platform within the next few months.
Talking to The Assam Tribune over phone from an undisclosed location, Baruah said that the new platform was formed to fight the �common enemy� together. The �historical ground� was the main thrust of the new platform where all the constituents have equal rights and say. He refuted the claim of the security agencies that the ULFA(I) and National Democratic Front of Boroland (S) are under pressure from the other constituents to show their strength and claimed, �we all have equal say in the alliance and no one is putting any pressure on anyone.�
Baruah said that the actions of the new alliance are planned according to the ground situation and those were well coordinated operations. It may be mentioned here that four militant groups of the region � NSCN(K), ULFA(I), NDFB(S) and KLO recently formed a common platform following the withdrawal of the NSCN(K) from the ceasefire agreement with the Government of India.
The ULFA(I) leader said that Manipur-based militant groups would join the new platform soon. He said six Manipur-based rebel groups, who formed the CORCOM, are morally bound with the new platform and they were part of the discussion process during its formation. But they have not formally joined the new platform and sought six months� time to settle their own issues.
Asked to elaborate, Baruah said that the Manipur-based rebel groups were supporting the formation of the new platform. He said that a few of the groups of Manipur had links with the NSCN(I-M), which is holding talks with the Government of India. Apart from this issue, the Manipur-based groups had some other matters, which need to be settled before joining the platform. However, Baruah said that the issues would be settled shortly. He also said that any other rebel group, which wants to fight the common enemy together, can join the new platform where they would get equal rights and opportunities.
