Guwahati:
The protracted conflict in Assam may be a step closer to resolution with the chairman and head of ULFA's political wing set free for proposed talks with the government.
This is the government's policy of granting amnesty to insurgents in the Northeast to allow them to come to the mainstream.
"I appeal to all concerned to take steps for release of our General Secretary Anup Chetia from Bangladesh jail for talks to begin. I also appeal to all to wait for our internal discussions after which we will inform of how we proceed with talks. Now we will go to the people," Rajkhowa said.
The spanner in the works will be ULFA's most powerful authority - its Commander-in-Chief Paresh Baruah who has so far remained elusive to either arrest or peace overtures. Rajkhowa is expected to lead a team of ULFA's Central Committee members most of whom are out on bail to hold talks with the Government's interlocutors.
"I believe one day Paresh Baruah will come or else he will be left out. There are some indications that some are willing to come and we hope that those who are in Bangladesh, Myanmar should come," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.
Since 1991, ULFA has killed more than 2000 civilians. And while the victims have been denied justice the government doesn't want to let go of this opportunity for peace.
"We have been waiting for this day. On the first day of the New Year i want to convey our regard and condolences to the families of martyrs and victims of this conflict," said Kaberi Kachari, former head of women's wing of ULFA and wife of Arabinda Rajkhowa.