NEW DELHI, June 21 � The pro-talk faction of ULFA, Centre and the Assam Government would meet on June 29 for the next round of formal political dialogue. The discussions are likely to be held at the Home Secretary level.
A ULFA delegation led by chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa is scheduled to arrive on June 27. The agenda for the discussion is yet to be finalised, spokesman of the group, Sasha Choudhury, told this newspaper.
Sources said some of the issues that were raised in talks last April would be discussed further. Last time issues like constitutional safeguard for the indigenous people of Assam and Centre-State relation were discussed. Besides, release of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia is also likely to figure. The militant outfit is in the process of settling its cadres in designated camps in Nalbari and Upper Assam.
The pro-talk group has demanded autonomy on the lines of Article 370 of Jammu and Kashmir. In its 12-point 'charter of demands', ULFA demanded a change of law and possibly amendment of the Constitution claiming that a solution to their demands was not possible under the provisions of the existing Constitution.
Among other demands of the group include discussion on grounds for �ULFA�s struggle and their genuineness�, status report on missing ULFA leaders and cadres numbering around 50 including those missing since 2005 when Bhutan Government had conducted offensives, and other socio-economic issues.
The last round of talks held on April 9 saw �tangible progress� as the militant outfit and the Centre discussed the charter of demands.
�It was a very constructive and fruitful discussion. I think we have achieved very good progress in the meeting,� Union Home Secretary RK Singh had told reporters.
�We discussed all issues concerning Assam�s peace and development. We all agreed to carry forward the dialogue process,� Rajkhowa told reporters.
A Home Ministry statement said, �there was tangible progress in the talks. Both sides were satisfied with the progress made....Noting the tangible progress in talks with ULFA, Union Home Secretary stated that he would review the progress of talks with ULFA periodically.�
