Factionalism in ULFA; Pro-talk group wants Barua out

The 'pro-talk' faction of ULFA today demanded immediate suspension of its 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua, for taking arbitrary decisions violating the outfit's discipline.

The 'pro-talk' faction of ULFA on Sunday demanded immediate suspension of its 'Commander-in-Chief' Paresh Barua, for taking arbitrary decisions violating the outfit's discipline.

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"At a time when the meeting of the ULFA executive committee and the general council is about to be held in the backdrop of the overwhelming desire of the people for talks, the recent announcement of Barua against the talks process is uncalled for," Mrinal Hazarika, a pro talk ULFA leader, told reporters in Guwahati.

The recent video footage released by the outfit which shows the Barua celebrating Bihu amid slogans against talks, revealed the "true nature of the so called leader", he said.

Hazarika, who belonged to the outfit's dreaded 28 battalion, which had been suspended for declaring unilateral ceasefire, said the same punishment should be meted out to Barua as he cannot take any decision without consulting the central executive members of the outfit.

The people of Assam want peace and negotiations with the outfit, Hazarika said and supported 'unconditional talks'.

The pro-talk group will fully back the decisions to be taken at the proposed meeting of ULFA's central executive and general council, he added.