Guwahati, Aug 9: Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Tuesday invited proscribed outfit United Liberation Front of Asom-Independent commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to come and stay in Assam for one week and see the change.
Talking to media persons, CM Sarma said, “When Baruah went away from Assam he had an impression that people from outside had taken over Assam however today people from Assam are working in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh. The atmosphere has changed. It is not the same as it used to be in 1982 or 1983.”
“Be our guest for 7 to 10 days in Assam. Things will change once he comes and stays here. Many youths who joined ULFA have returned, and many have contacted the authorities to facilitate their return as conditions in Myanmar have gone from bad to worse,” Sarma stated.
He said, “It is not the same Assam as it was when the ULFA was formed. The state is fast moving on the path of development. There has been a change in the mindset of people. ULFA (I) is the last mile on the path to peace. I am confident we will be able to reach there soon.”
Sarma said that once the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) joins the talks with the government, Assam will transform into an “island of peace”.
After Himanta Biswa Sarma was sworn in as chief minister of Assam, he appealed to Ulfa (I) chief Paresh Baruah to return to mainstream politics.
Ahead of Independence Day celebrations, security arrangements in the state have been tightened to thwart any kinds of eventualities.
This year, Assam government has taken up many programmes to from August 8 to make the Independence Day special from previous years.
Also read: Assam sets target to bring 3.75 lakh hectares under oil palm cultivation
