Interview    

“ULFA for peaceful solution”
ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa claims that sovereignty is not a demand. It is the aspiration of the people of Asom. 

North East News Agency

North East News Agency dispatched a questionnaire through e-mail to ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa to ascertain the views of ULFA leadership on the present imbroglio in Assam. Here are the answers from ULFA chairman.   

North East News Agency: Has ULFA undergone any change after Operation All Clear in Bhutan?

Arabindo Rajkhowa: There is no change basically.

NENA: The decision of ULFA to consent for a dialogue process is a welcome move. But does the fact, that nothing concrete has been gained following peace talks between NSCN (IM) and the Centre, hang on the minds of the ULFA leadership?

AR: We are looking for a peaceful but satisfactory resolution of the Indo-Asom Political Conflict, not just a ‘dialogue process.’ The basic thing that is hampering it is India’s attitude and approach towards the people of our region as a whole.

NENA: ULFA is very clear on the demand of sovereignty. But has the leadership of  ULFA tried to assess how much support the demand of sovereignty enjoy, if the people of Assam are left to take an independent decision on this topic?

AR: Sovereignty is not a demand. It is the aspiration of the people of Asom as much as it is an undeniable birth-right of other nations and their people.

NENA: Indian Government has made it clear that it has its bindings on the issue. In future, if need be, will the ULFA be ready to accept    an understanding where both    sides cede a bit to reach a       median solution?

AR: There is no median  solution to the core issue of sovereignty. India needs to change its perspective.

 NENA: We are hearing of an anti-talk faction within ULFA. What is your comment on this? Moreover, is there any difference of opinion in any form among the leadership, amongst cadres or between cadres and leadership in the ULFA ? Again, there are also speculations about the actual role of the Chairman of the ULFA. What are your comments in this regard?

AR: The so-called anti-talk faction is a creation of the colonial regime so as to maintain the situation for the Indian Occupation Forces to continue their military operations in Asom. ULFA takes decisions democratically. There is no difference on such decisions. Chairman of the ULFA is the Chairman of ULFA.

NENA: Who are the actual friends of the ULFA? NSCN (K), known to be close to the ULFA, recently issued a statement ridiculing the decision to sit for talks. What is your comment?

AR: Friends remain friends so long as there are no basic differences.

NENA: Why does the ULFA opt to trigger violence targeting the people and property of the State when it actually resolves to bring a better dawn for Assam?

AR: ULFA has never targeted our own people intentionally. The ‘State’ you are talking about is a puppet collaborator of the colonial rulers.
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