Guwahati:
The report of ULFA chairman Rajiv Rajkonwar alias Arabindo Rajkhowa 's arrest in Bangladesh and his possible handing over to Indian authorities signals the beginning of a process of dialogue.
The 96-year-old Damayanti Rajkumari, mother of ULFA's chairman has been waiting for this moment for the last thirty years, can hardly believe that her son may be back in India very soon.
The ULFA was responsible for the twin blast in Nalbari on 22nd November which killed 8 and injured 54 persons. Significantly Rajkonwar immediately condemned the blast indicating a shift in strategy.
In New Delhi, Home Minister P Chidambaram said India was willing to talk to the ULFA if it abjures violence.
"In the next few days ULFA may make a statement offering talks, I can share with the House that our government is willing to talk to ULFA if they abjure violence," said P Chidambaram, Home Minister.
Rajkonwar was one of the founders of ULFA in 1979 and has since held its top post. But many believe that it's the self-styled commander Paresh Baruah the outfit's military chief who actually calls the shots.
For years the Indian security agencies have been trying to break up the leadership but ULFA has been the only armed outfit of Assam which never suffered a split.
"They will definitely come, I can't say how soon. But the sooner they come for talks including Paresh Baruah, it's good for the country," said Tarun Gogoi, Chief Minister, Assam.
"If Rajkonwar's arrest or surrender in Bangladesh is a result of a split in the leadership then it's not the end of ULFA yet. If the two leaders who were handed over in November and now Rajkonwar's arrival points at prospective talks with the government of India, even then there's scepticism amongst security experts. ULFA knows they must move out of Bangladesh. They also know India will not talk without its top leaders.
So, while Rajkonwar's arrival can facilitate talks, the outfit's military chief Paresh Baruah can explore fresh strategies and new locations.