NDFB’s pro-talks rally at Udalguri on March 10

GUWAHATI, May 6: In order to show mass support base in favour of the much-awaited peace talks between the Government and the National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB), the rebel group is going to hold a mammoth public gathering at Udalguri on May 10.

All peace-loving people of Bodo-inhabited areas in the State and Bodo civil organizations are expected to join the rally to register their unanimous support to the peace talks between the Government and the outfit, NDFB sources said.

It may be mentioned here that the NDFB submitted its charter of demands in the form of a memorandum to the Centre on May 1 to put an end to the about-three-year-long deadlock in initiating the peace process between the Government and the outfit since the signing of the ceasefire agreement between the two on June 1, 2005. The outfit is eagerly expecting early response from the Centre to its demands, though it is still not clear whether the NDFB’s demand for sovereignty was in the memorandum or not.

However, the Boro People’s Forum for Peace and Rights (BPFPR), which has been working overtime to start negotiation between the Government and the NDFB, is of the view that if the Government is truly sincere to the peace and development of “Boroland”, it should be prepared to hold talks with the NDFB, irrespective of the demands of the outfit.

“Let the talks start first,” said Bhramon Baglary, BPFPR president, when contacted by The Sentinel today. The differences, if any, can be sorted out through dialogue, he said. However, Baglary, contradicting the part of his statement published in the press today, said the NDFB’s demands placed through the memorandum to the Centre might be within the ambit of the constitution of the outfit. “But, in fact, I know nothing about the demands mentioned in the memorandum,” he added.