Friday, 12 February 2010 22:40 Mithu Choudhury
Guwahati (Mizzima) - On the heels of state talks between India and Burma, Indian authorities have revealed they are poised to launch a renewed effort in New Delhi’s decades long struggle against the rebel United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).
On the sidelines of the recently concluded 58th Northeast Chief Ministers Meeting in Guwahati held on February 9th, Union Home Secretary GK Pillai revealed that extensive discussions have taken place between himself, Assam Chief Secretary P.C. Sharma and Assam DGP Shankar Barua in the beginning of the month as to how to proceed with the ULFA.
Following his January visit to Naypyitaw, Pillai sounded optimistic that Burma will keep its word and flush out ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua and other elements inimical to India’s security believed to be operating from Burmese territory.
“My discussions there [in Burma] were very positive. We agreed there will be a coordinated action on the Indo-Myanmarese [Burmese] border. We hope that this operation will be done at the earliest [possible date],’’ Pillai said of his joint security discussions with Burmese authorities.
Following the talks, India’s Ministry of Home Affairs is reportedly on the threshold of forming a new strategy to deal with the ULFA.
Pillai also vouched that the India will raise the issue of assistance for ULFA offered by the Isak Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland [NSCN] during New Delhi’s next round of talks with the rebel outfit.
ULFA has in the past also received strategic support from Kachin rebels operating out of Burmese territory across the border from India’s restive northeastern states.
However the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the largest Kachin rebel group, recently said it no longer provides support or shelter to any Indian insurgent groups.
Friday, February 12, 2010
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