Demand for Assam's 'sovereignty' a hurdle for Ulfa peace talks

The chances of immediate peace talks with banned Ulfa appears to be bleak as both militant leaders chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua are united in their demand for "sovereignty" of Assam which is not acceptable to the government.

Rajkhowa, who was brought to Kamrup to the court handcuffed yesterday, said there could be no talks with handcuffs and also without the issue of "sovereignty" included in the agenda of talks.

He urged his brother Ajay Rajkonwar to convey to the people of Assam that there would be no talks with the government unless the issue was discussed.
 
Paresh Barua, reportedly in Myanmar now, has also said the outfit was prepared for talks provided Assam's "sovereignty" was discussed.

Both the central and state governments have made it clear that talks can be held only if the outfit gives up its demand for "sovereignty".