Talks with ULFA constructive, positive: Home Secretary

New Delhi, Apr 9 (ANI): Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh said the talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leadership here today were positive and constructive.

"The talks with ULFA were very constructive, very positive. We made very good progress," said Singh after the meeting the ULFA leaders.

When asked whether anything was specifically discussed on the autonomy issue and constitutional amendment, Singh said: "They said they will take up some aspects pertaining to Centre - State relations, but that will be in the next round of talks. As far as this round of talks was concerned that aspect was not covered.

"On issues having constitutional bearings, they raised some issues pertaining to reservation for some communities," he added.

The ULFA delegation led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa met the Union Home Secretary here on Monday in an endeavor to find a lasting solution to the three-decade-old insurgency problem in Assam.

The ULFA delegation met the Union Home Secretary for the second time with an aim to see if any progress was made after the conclusion of the first round of talks.

Besides Rajkhowa, ULFA Foreign Secretary Shashadhar Chowdhary, Cultural Secretary Pranati Deka, Finance Secretary Chitrabon Hazarika were among those present in the 90-minute meeting today

The pro-talk faction had submitted its charter of demands to Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram in August last year, which was followed by the first round of talks with the Union Home Ministry in October.

The 12-point charter of demands, include constitutional amendments to give Assam greater control over its natural resources, revenue generation, participation in the planning process, ensuring a secure demographic situation, besides accelerated and balanced development. (ANI)