After the Bodo Accord, the Assam government will send a formal invitation to the proscribed ULFA-Independent (ULFA-I) leader Paresh Baruah to join the peace parleys.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 7th, 2020 discussed the issue of holding talks with the ULFA-I with Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Finance Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma. Modi addressed a mammoth rally in Kokrajhar on February 7th, 2020 to celebrate the signing of the Bodo Accord.

As per reports, Modi directed the Assam government to hold detailed discussions on the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah on the matter.

Sarma told reporters that the government will take a state cabinet-level decision for sending a formal invitation to ULFA-I to join the peace talks table. On several occasions, Sonowal and Sarma appealed ULFA chief Baruah to join the peace process.

The fugitive ULFA-I leader Baruah had recently told a local TV channel that he was ready for talks only if sovereignty is the main agenda.

As per reports, the Centre is keen to sign the peace accord with all the factions of the ULFA on the lines of the Bodo Accord. The peace talks with the pro-talk ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa has reached the final stage and an accord is likely to be signed in April.

Photo credit: @sarbanandsonwal