GUWAHATI, May 7 � The Sanmilita Jatiya Abhibartan (SJA), which aims at facilitating peace talks between the Centre and the banned ULFA, today formally handed over the charter of demands to the ULFA leadership for consideration, which includes the demand for certain amendments in the Constitution aimed at giving the State greater control.
The charter of demands, which would be the basis of the peace talks between the Centre and the outfit, would be accepted by the ULFA leadership after discussing it.
The 37-page charter of demands, besides featuring the demand for certain constitutional amendments, have encompassed issues like border row, timely and adequate distribution of funds, economic incentives, right over land and natural resources, right over petroleum resources, illegal infiltration and ethnic division.
Handing over the charter of demands to ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa here today, Dr Hiren Gohain, chief spokesperson of the SJA steering committee said, �Though the word �full autonomy� has not been used to avoid any misinterpretation, the demands would certainly revolve around addressing issues as it would have been in the case of granting full autonomy.�
The SJA also handed over a voluminous experts report to the ULFA leadership.
Dr Gohain said that the charter demands constitutional amendments to give the State greater control over its own future through strengthening the State�s power to control the revenues generated here, the natural resources, and the planning process, and ensure a secure demographic situation as well as accelerated balanced development.
�If the Government of India and the ULFA honour the charter in letter and spirit and do not undersell it, we may look forward to untroubled peace, true development and vigorous growth of democracy in the region,� Dr Gohain pointed out.
Chairman of the banned outfit ULFA Arabinda Rajkhowa, while speaking on the occasion said, �ULFA wants respectable solution to the conflict, which is why we have come forward for unconditional talks.�
Appreciating the role of SJA, Rajkhowa stated that ULFA is committed to bring peace and development in the State and safeguard the interest of the indigenous people.
�However, we reiterate that the outfit is for early solution of the conflict. We don�t want to be in a situation where talks would continue for 15 to 20 years,� Rajkhowa asserted.
He also added that the contents of the charter of demands would be made public after having discussion on it.
Several other members of the SJA and the ULFA were also present on the occasion.
