NEW DELHI, Aug 27 � The much-awaited dialogue to pave the way for signing of the formal ceasefire agreement with pro-talk factions of ULFA is scheduled to be held on September 3 here.
Sources in the Home Ministry said that the ULFA leaders have been invited for tripartite talks to Delhi next month. The finalisation of the ground rules would see signing of the formal suspension of operation with the militant outfit. Arabinda Rajkhowa faction has announced a unilateral ceasefire on July 13.
The ground rules being drafted are expected to be more or less in the line of the existing ceasefire pacts with NDFB (P), DHD and UPDS, said sources.
All ULFA cadres are expected to shift to designated camps, while the weapons are proposed to be kept under double lock, as ULFA leaders have expressed their reluctance to surrender their weapons, as earlier proposed by the Centre.
On August 12, stating that talks with ULFA were on track, Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram had said the Centre had an agreement with ULFA on suspension of operations possibly before August 15 ahead of formal peace talks with the insurgent outfit.
�ULFA leaders met me in the presence of Chief Minister of Assam. Then they called on the Home Secretary. Next step is to sign a suspension agreement. It is being drafted. Once it is signed, which I hope will be before August 15, I think formal talks will start between the ULFA delegation, Governments of India and Assam,� Home Minister had said.
Though initially the talks for finalisation of the ground rules were to be held in Guwahati soon after the Independence Day celebrations, it was later decided to shift the venue to the national capital. Joint Secretary (North-east), who flew down to Guwahati early this month, held preliminary discussions with the ULFA leaders.
ULFA leaders had on August 5 submitted its charter of demands to the Government of India proposing to hold negotiations under 12 broad groupings, though the demand for sovereignty was skirted.