Cloud of uncertainty is still looming large over the proposed peace talks between the Centre and the proscribed ULFA. It is still not known when the second round of talks between the government and the People’s Consultative Group (PCG) will be held. The discussion was to take place in December last.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had offered safe passage to ULFA cadres during the Bihu festival. But the outlawed organization did not response to the offer made by the Chief Minister. Rather the organization has alleged that the government is out to derail the peace process. Mr Gogoi announced the offer on New Year’s Day and said it would be effective from Januray 7 to 20. Bhogali Bihu begins on January 13. He also said security agencies would be issued necessary orders for the ‘safe passage’ period.

In a statement made in the outfit’s mouthpiece, Freedom, chairman of ULFA Arabinda Rajkhowa warned that “The Government of India which has found no time to consider the demand for release of our jailed central committee members to enable us to take a decision vis-à-vis holding dialogue to find a solution to the conflict, has ample time to let loose its security forces to hound ULFA cadres in remote areas. Such actions are not going to help the cause of peace initiative.” He maintained that the release of outfit’s central committee leaders were essential for the interests of the peace efforts launched through the People’s Consultative Group (PCG). It may be mentioned here that six top ULFA leaders, including its vice chairman Pradip Gogoi, are in jail or missing since the Bhutan Govenment’s operation against the ULFA camps in the Himalayan Kingdom. ULFA chief is also sore over intensified Army and police operations against the banned outfit in Arunachal Pradesh and different places in Assam including Sadiya, Lakhimpur, Tinsukia, Nagaon, Marigaon and Goalpara.

Along with ULFA, PCG entrusted with the responsibility to prepare a platform for talks between the outfit and the Centre, did not respond positively to Mr. Gogoi’s offer. According to PCG that mere declaration of safe passage would not be of much help unless the State Government formulated adequate modalities, including necessary instructions to security forces, for its implementation. On the other hand, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to initiate the process of “direct talks” with underground organization. “I have requested the Prime Minister to initiate the process of direct talks with the ULFA so that ceasefire could be declared as a first step to bring a lasting solution to the problem,” Mr. Gogoi revealed.

But the Centre is unlikely to hold peace talks with banned insurgent outfit ULFA till the outfit gives up arms and drop their demand of “soverignty” for Assam. However on its part, the Centre is not inclined to hold direct talks with ULFA till the underground organization give up arms and renounce the demand of sovereignty. The reason behind the decision is the experience of 1991 when couple of ULFA leaders promised to give up arms but later did not keep their words.

In 1991, a four-member delegation led by its general secretary Anup Chetia met the then Prime Minister late P V Narashima Rao and held talks. During the meeting, Chetia reportedly   promised to bring top leaders of the outfit  for negotiation with the Central Government.

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