Finally, India’s long standing demand has been met. Bangladesh has decided to hand over imprisoned ULFA general secretary Anup Chetia to New Delhi. The repatriation process is underway, said Bangladesh Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan. Some legal formalities have to be completed. It is reported that Chetia’s repatriation process began several months ago. India and Bangladesh still do not have an extradition treaty. The existing agreement for exchanging imprisoned nationals in each other’s jails creates complications. The consent of those jailed for repatriation to serve the rest of their term in their own countries has to be obtained. Chetia’s jail term had ended but there are some loose ends to be tied up. The growing understanding between India and Bangladesh and between India and Myanmar in cracking down on terror, particularly in the Northeast has facilitated the repatriation.
Chetia was arrested in Bangladesh in 1997 and was incarcerated for seven years on grounds of cross-border intrusion. Besides, he was carrying a fake passport and possessed illegal foreign currency. Now his repatriation has been finalised. Steps are also being taken to conclude an extradition treaty between India and Bangladesh. Dhaka for its part seeks repatriation of its wanted nationals in hiding or imprisoned in Indian jails. Chetia’s return will be a booster to the ongoing talks between the government of India, the Assam government and the pro-peace group in the ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa. The only hurdle now appears to be the stubborn resistance to peace talks from the Paresh Barua faction of the rebel body.