Peace process

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— With the breakaway faction of the ULFA (A and C companies of the 28th battalion) continuing with its efforts to mobilise public opinion in favour of a peace dialogue with the banned outfit, it is time all concerned, including political parties, civil society groups and the media, joined hands to give a fillip to the campaign. A formal peace process with the ULFA continues to be a non-starter, and mounting public opinion alone can facilitate the beginning of a formal dialogue between the Government and the rebels. To its credit, the leaders of the 28th battalion have avoided a path of violent confrontation even while defying its central command and chosen instead to involve the people in evolving a mechanism for peace. Fratricidal clashes are unlikely to serve the purpose of peace and would invariably complicate matters further. While all the peace initiatives made so far have failed to bring the ULFA to the negotiating table, the silver lining is that many hardcore middle-rung leaders and cadres are increasingly giving vent to their disillusionment with the ways of the outfit’s top leadership. The situation, therefore, is conducive for putting more pressure on the outfit and get it engaged in a dialogue. But we can expect a positive result only when civil society as a whole carries out a sustained campaign on the need for lasting peace in the State.Notwithstanding the adamant stand of the ULFA’s top leadership on having ‘sovereignty’ as the core issue for any formal talks, there are indications that many leaders and cadres are interested in a peace process without sovereignty being a precondition. The Government, if it is sincere about starting the peace process, has to seize this initiative and build further on it. While there cannot be any formal talks without the involvement of the ULFA’s top leaders, it is a fact that the leadership is more isolated than ever and the Government could use the situation to its advantage. The situation, however, is tricky, and any attempt to divide the outfit could easily backfire with disastrous consequences. The Government’s manoeuvres at this stage will be a test of its tact, prudence and political acumen. Every move of the ULFA’s top brass, too, would be keenly watched by the people who are fed up with the cult of violence. The ULFA needs to make sure that its actions are guided by a sense of respect to the sentiments of the people, who are overwhelmingly in favour of lasting peace in the State. source: assam tribune editorial 03.09.08