(a) the progress made on various peace talks with militant outfit of North Eastern Region;
(b) whether the Government as well as ULFA have deviated from their earlier stand on talk
without precondition;
(c) if so, the reasons therefore;
(d) whether the Government proposes to restart the process of ceasefire as well as
negotiation; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRIMATI V. RADHIKA SELVI)
(a) to (e): A statement is annexed.
STATEMENT IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) to (e) of LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 514 FOR 20.11.2007.
(a) At present the Government is holding talks with the following militant outfits:
(i) National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isac/Muivah) {NSCN(IM)} – a ceasefire is on with
this outfit since 1st August, 1997. The ceasefire has now been extended for indefinite period
subject to progress in peace talks. The talks with NSCN(IM) have been held and are inconclusive.
(ii) United People’s Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), Dimasa Halam Daogah (DHD) in Assam –
Suspension of Operations (SOO) Agreements with these groups have been signed on 01.08.2002
and 01.01.2003 respectively. The tripartite talks with UPDS and DHD on their charter of
demands have been held and are inconclusive.
(iii) National Democratic front of Bodoland (NDFB) in Assam – The Agreement on Suspension of
Operations was signed on 01.06.2005. NDFB has not yet submitted their charter of demand.
(iv) Achik National Volunteer Council (ANVC) in Meghalaya – The SoO Agreement was signed on
July, 2004. The tripartite talks with ANVC on their demands have been held and are inconclusive.
(b) & (c) : ULFA had constituted a People’s Consultative Group (PCG) in September, 2005 to
facilitate peace talks. Three rounds of talks were held between October, 2005 and June, 2006.
Government had declared unilateral Suspension of Operations against the ULFA from 13.8.2006
with a view to create conducive atmosphere for holding of peace talks. However, counter
insurgency operations were resumed after 21.09.06, as there was no direct response from ULFA
and inputs were received that regrouping, new raisings, collection of weapons, explosives
and extortion by ULFA cadres. The ULFA has been imposing unacceptable preconditions while
making statements regarding peace talks.
(d) & (e): Government is willing to talk to any group within the framework of the
Constitution, provided the outfit abjures violence.