Government-ULFA Talks on April 9

After a gap of six months, the government will hold dialogue with ULFA on 9th April as part of its efforts to bring a lasting solution to the decades-old insurgency problem in Assam.

Union Home Secretary R K Singh and other senior Home Ministry officials will hold peace talks with ULFA led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa and try to iron out differences on key demands of the banned outfit.
 
Top ULFA leaders will discuss with the government delegation various aspects of its "charter of demands" which, among others, seeks amendment in the Constitution for finding meaningful ways to protect the rights and identity of the indigenous people of Assam.
 
Observance of ground rules, signed by both sides, surrender of arms and ammunition and total halt of operations by security forces against the pro-talk faction are other key issues which are expected to be discussed, official sources said.

The dialogue with ULFA will be held after nearly six months. The last such meeting was held on 25th October in New Delhi.

Members of the rebel group -- numbering around 600 -- are now in special camps, called as 'Nabanirman Kendras'.

ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah has steadfastly opposed any peace talk with the government and vowed to continue his fight for a "sovereign" Assam.