NEW DELHI, July 10 � Uncertainty over extradition of ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia continues, with Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde on Wednesday clarifying that he is unaware about the latest development in the case.
Shinde�s statement comes close on the heels of news reports in Bangladesh, where the country�s Home Ministry has dismissed reports of his immediate extradition as � baseless�.
Presenting his monthly report on Wednesday, Shinde said that Anup Chetia has sought asylum in Bangladesh. �I don�t know the latest position. But the point is I had raised this issue with Bangladesh, when I had gone to the country,� he said.
The issue is now likely to figure during the two-day Home Secretary-level talks being held here on July 17-18. However, indications are that a final announcement might come during Foreign Minister, Dipu Moni�s ensuing visit on July 25.
Sources in Bangladesh High Commission said that as the matter is political, a final decision on Chetia�s extradition would be taken at the political level. As reported by this newspaper, Bangladesh is keen to use Chetia�s extradition to extract some concessions from New Delhi including firming up of schedules for signing of the Teesta Water Sharing Treaty and the land boundary agreement.
Confusion over timing of Chetia�s release has arisen after Home Ministry officials told ULFA leaders during the last round of talks that Chetia may be expected to be extradited by July 15.
Meanwhile, a leading English daily of Bangladesh, reported on Monday that the Home Ministry of Bangladesh said there is no basis in such reports. �I am not aware of any such move,� Additional Secretary (Political) Kamal Uddin Ahmed was quoted as having said.
There is intense speculation after Chetia was shifted to the high security Kashimpur Jail in Gazipur from the Rajshahi Central Jail last week.
Meanwhile, Supreme Court lawyer and Bangladesh Society for Enforcement of Human Rights chairperson Sigma Huda told the same newspaper that Chetia cannot be handed over to India until the High Court disposes its ruling of August 23, 2003, over his asylum plea.
