The figures were stated in the Assam Assembly today when AGP MLA Padma Hazarika asked a question. According to Forest Minister Rakibul Hussain, who was replying on behalf of Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, eight outfits had come to the peace process and surrendered their weapons. They were staying in the designated camps.
Among the seven other active militant groups are Harkat Ul Mujahideen and Muslim United Liberation Tigers of Assam.
Mr Hussain urged the House to be patient as the entire peace process, especially with the ULFA, had reached a 'sensitive moment'.
''Let us not disturb the peace process as something special is going on,'' Mr Hussain hinted.
He also said the government might not wait for ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruas return to the mainfold.
According to official sources, the Union government might not be willing to allow the 'commander-in-chief' to 'hold the talks to hostage' for an indefinite period if the other ULFA leaders express their desire to solve the problem through discussions.
Sources told UNI that the government was keen on holding talks with the proscribed organisation and efforts would be on to bring all ULFA leaders to the negotiation table. But if Paresh Baruah continued maintaining a rigid stand, the government would not be willing to wait for an indefinite period.
They admitted that till date, not much headway had been achieved to start the talks process with the ULFA to find a political solution, but the government was still hopeful that the other leaders would realise the importance of coming forward for dialogues sooner or later.
The sources pointed out that to come for talks, the ULFA or any other militant outfit would have to abjure violence and agree to negotiate within the constitutional framework.
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