Assam CM Sarma says era of tribal militancy is over

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma has said the era of tribal militancy is over in the state as all insurgent groups are coming forward for talks with the government. Addressing a press conference in Guwahati on Satueday, Sarma also said demand for a discussion on sovereignty by the ULFA(I) was a stumbling block and his government is trying to break the impasse. Our last hurdle is ULFA(I). Excluding them, all other outfits have surrendered arms, he said. Sarma said civil society organisations and students' bodies have played a very positive role to address the problem of tribal militancy in the state.
The CM said he has learnt from his interactions with people who are directly or indirectly in touch with ULFA(I) chief Paresh Barua that the militant leader is in favour of a "negotiated settlement".The stumbling block is sovereignty'. The ULFA(I) wants a discussion over it, which we cannot do. We are working on breaking the deadlock, Sarma said. The chief minister said he is looking to 2022 as a year of hope. There will be some positive moments regarding Armed Forces (Special Power) Act. How and when we don't know. But I am optimistic," he added. Sarma said If the law and order situation remains tranquil for a longer period of time, no state government wants to continue with the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. The Assam government also believes that if the current peaceful scenario continues, we will be able to decide if we need AFSPA at a later date" he added.