By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Former Intelligence Bureau (IB) Director PC Haldar has said that the Union Government is still examining the political demands of the Garo militant outfit ANVC (which is currently under ceasefire agreement) for creation of the Garoland Territorial Council in line with that of the Bodoland Territorial Council in Assam.
“We have had a discussion with the ANVC on this matter. The Union Government is still examining their demand,” Haldar, who is the Centre’s interlocutor for talks with ULFA, ANVC and other militant groups in Assam, said while speaking to reporters here on Wednesday.
When asked whether any specific time has been set to meet the demands of the ANVC, he said no specific time line has been set by the Union Government.
“These matters take time. The State Government would also have to submit its views on this issue,” the former IB chief said, adding, “They would pursue this issue right till its logical end.”
Meanwhile, Haldar denied reports that detained ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia has pulled out from the tripartite peace talks process.
“I am not aware of any such development,” he said, adding that in 2005, when the efforts for peace talks with ULFA was initiated it was not with any ULFA A, B or C.
While admitting that ULFA ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua is not part of the peace talks, Haldar said the doors were open for Barua to partake in the ongoing talks.