Surrendered ULFA rebels wants to participate in general elections

Surrendered ULFA rebels wants to participate in general electionsNalbari (Assam), Mar 24 : Surrendered rebels of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) express their desire to participate in upcoming general elections.

A splinter faction of Assam''s main rebel group, the ULFA, which prefers to have talks with the Central Government for a negotiated settlement to the separatist issue, said they want to cast their vote in the elections, which will be between April 16 and May 13.

Talking to reporters at the "Khotra Shatra", a designated camp of surrendered rebels in Nalbari District on Monday, Raju, a surrendered rebel said, "I am thinking hard to cast my vote in the upcoming elections."

The ''pro-talks'' group, which walked out of the ULFA, declared unilateral ceasefire last year expecting reciprocal gesture from the Central Government to restore peace in the region.

"We are hoping that peace process will progress further after elections. Whichever party comes to power after elections we will provide our full support," said Bhaskar Rajbonshi, another surrendered rebel.

ULFA has been demanding independence for Assam since 1979 and accuses New Delhi of exploiting the state''s resources and doing little to develop the province.

The outfit has also accused non-Assamese people of plundering the state''s resources and spoiling its culture. (ANI)

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