Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, December 09 2009:
The Government on Wednesday said ULFA top leader Arabinda Rajkhowa was "apprehended" by the BSF on Meghalaya-Bangladesh border and later arrested by Assam Police as he was wanted in connection with several cases.
Replying to supplementaries during Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, home Minister P Chidambaram said the leaders of the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) would be treated with dignity as and when peace talks take place with them.
"On information that BSF has apprehended two or three people on the border of Meghalaya and Bangladesh, a team of police officers from Assam went there and took (them into) custody," he said.
After their identities were established, Assam police apprehended them as they were wanted in connection with many cases, the home Minister said.
Asked if the Government intends to talk to the arrested ULFA leadership "with gun held at their temple," Chidambaram said due dignity will be maintained in the talks, when they happen.
"...certainly they (ULFA leaders) will be treated with dignity (when talks happen)".
"If there is an offer of talks, we will be happy to hold talks," he said adding the Centre was willing to talk to all insurgent groups of North East including ULFA if they abjure violence, lay down arms and give up demand for sovereignty.
He, however, added that there has been no offer of talks from ULFA till now.