Clarification
A news report published in the Delhi edition of TOI on November 18 under the headline, "Himanta 1st Assam CM ready to discuss Ulfa(I)'s core demand of 'sovereignty'", has been denied in a tweet from the chief minister's official handle.
GUWAHATI: In a first by any Assam CM, Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday said Ulfa-I's core demand would have to be discussed somewhere in the peace process.
It is for the first time since the birth of Ulfa in 1979 that a chief minister of the state has dared to discuss Ulfa’s core demand with positivity. Sarma’s predecessors had either opted for a military option or had shied away from addressing this issue.
However, former PM Manmohan Singh in 2005 had announced that the Centre was ready to discuss all “core issues” of Ulfa. The peace process, however, did not take off.
Sarma said one needs a “fresh approach” (to the Ulfa issue) and “an equilibrium has to be created between the perimeters of the Constitution and the outfit’s demand” for sovereignty. “I think their core issue will have to be discussed at some point of time,” he added.
While to uphold and protect the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India is one of the Fundamental Duties enshrined in the Constitution, Ulfa (I) is ready to have the peace dialogue only if its core demand is discussed.
Sarma said Ulfa was born over four decades back “for a specific reason” but the situation in the state has completely transformed over the years. “During this long period, the situation of Assam has changed so much…the problems that existed in 1984-85 have now changed their characters completely. Assam’s demography, economy and social aspects are completely different for then and now. I think we have to respect the emotions of the people and realign with the situation of present day and for that if we can change our mindset and thought process, we can move forward with a new outlook.”
Sarma also welcomed Ulfa’s (I) extension of unilateral ceasefire by another three months and termed it as a positive gesture. He had earlier said Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah has been saying in the media that discussions must be held on sovereignty but on the other hand whether it is the PM or the CM or any minister, he or she has taken the solemn oath to protect India’s sovereignty and “under this situation, both sides are on opposite poles.” He had then suggested finding a middle path.
