New Delhi, February 29 (PTI): A delegation of ULFA leaders, led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa, today met Union Home Secretary Rajiv Mehrishi and reviewed the progress of their ongoing talks.
The ULFA leaders discussed with Mehrishi their charter of demands, including recognition of six communities in Assam -- Moran, Muttock, Tai Ahom, Koch Rajbongshi, Sootea and Tea Tribes -- as Scheduled Tribes (ST).
It was decided that the formal tripartite meeting of ULFA leaders with the Home Secretary and representatives of government of Assam will be held in the middle of March, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.
The delegation include ULFA 'general secretary' Anup Chetia, who was deported from Bangladesh last year after 17 years of incarceration.
The Rajkhowa-led ULFA faction had begun unconditional talks with the central government in 2011, despite strong opposition from the hardline wing led by Paresh Baruah, who is believed to be in Myanmar.
The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) was formed in 1979 with the demand for a 'sovereign' Assam. Since then, the group has been involved in subversive activities that led to the Centre banning it in 1990. The Rajkhowa faction joined peace talks with the government on September 3, 2011 after an agreement for Suspension of Operations was signed among the ULFA, central and state governments.
