Question : PEACE TALK WITH NDFB OF ASSAM

(a) whether the National Democratic front of Bodoland (NDFB of Assam) has declared cease-fire unilaterally and expressing its willingness to have political peace talks directly with the Union Government;

(b) if so, the details and reaction of the Union Government thereto alongwith the participants proposed to be included in the peace talk;

(c) whether the Government propose to create a separate State of Bodoland as measure of bringing about a lasting political solutions to the long pending `Bodoland Imbroglio` and also for the restoration of peace and normalcy in the region;

(d) if so, the details of the steps taken so far in this regard; and

(e) if not, the reasons therefor?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS (SHRI S. REGUPATHY)

(a): Yes Sir.

(b): The Central Government has informed the Government of Assam to hold talks with National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB). It has been conveyed that representatives of Government of India will be associated during the talks.

(c): The Government has already created an Autonomous district known as Bodoland Territorial Area District (BTAD) in the State of Assam under the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India. There is no proposal to create a separate State of Bodoland.

(d)&(e): In view of the (c) above do not arise.