NEW DELHI, July 16 � Ruling out the possibility of acceding to the demands for creation of a separate Bodoland, the Centre has asked the NDFB (P) to lay down arms within three months to ensure further progress in the dialogue process.
The Centre has also held back extension of the ceasefire with NDFB (P) faction owing to reluctance on part of the militant outfits to surrender their weapons. The Bodo militant outfit has sought another extension of the ceasefire for a year. The ceasefire with NDFB (P) has expired on June 30, pending further extension.
But the Centre has conveyed that it may be willing to extend the suspension of operation pact for another three months, within which they expected the NDFB (P) to lay down arms, said highly placed sources.
The prime demand of the Bodo militant outfit is creation of a separate State of Bodoland. It has been conveyed that the demand has been rejected by Assam Government, the Centre has hinted on resolution of the vexed problem on give and take basis, added sources.
The Bodo militant outfit has also sought Six Schedule status for various tribal ethnic groups in the State including Rabha, Thengal Kacharis among others.
Meanwhile, expressing dismay at the delay in the dialogue process, NDFB (P) has sought Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram�s intervention in fulfilment of their demands.
The Centre wants to solve the Bodo problem as soon as possible, Chidambaram was quoted as having conveyed to a seven-member delegation that called on him here this afternoon.
The NDFB delegation led by Govinda Basumatary blamed the Centre and the State Government for the delay in resolution of their problem, accusing it of adopting delaying tactics. He said the on-going dialogue process has become a long-drawn one.
Basumatary told newsmen that the Home Minister after hearing them out assured that he would monitor the progress of the negotiations.
Chidambaram�s assurance came after the militant group reiterated their demand for removal of Centre�s interlocutor, PC Haldar. the NDFB (P) faction is keen on appointment of a person with political background as an interlocutor.
