R K Singh, Union Home Secretary./ Photo Sanjay Ahlawat
Amid all the political melee in Parliament, a landmark peace accord went unnoticed. The militant United People's Democratic Solidarity (UPDS), formed 18 years ago in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, decided to lay down arms and contest elections, due in January, thanks to an agreement signed with the Union government in November. The UPDS has given up its demand for a separate state and has, instead, settled for more powers to the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC). In his first exclusive interview to the media since he took over from G.K. Pillai, Union Home Secretary R.K. Singh told THE WEEK that the peace accord would pave the way for ending other insurgencies. Excerpts:
You have ended one of the most violent conflicts in the country. The peace accord with the UPDS is a major step forward in the northeast. In the past two to three years, we have managed to bring to the talks table a large number of people who have been underground. In Manipur, we have a tripartite agreement with Kangleipak Communist Party (Lalumba faction). Our interlocutor, [P.C.] Haldar, has successfully concluded talks with the ANVC [Achik National Volunteer Council] in Meghalaya and two insurgents groups in Assam. Talks with Ulfa [United Liberation Front of Assam] are also progressing well.
What was the key to ending the Karbi Anglong insurgency?
Our view is that we are ready to listen. We are willing to go the extra mile in our endeavour for peace. We are willing to think of different ways to give people their say.
What are the terms of the deal signed with the UPDS?
I'll not call it a deal. It was a peace agreement. The new name of the KAAC will be Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council. The number of its elected members will be increased to 44 from 26, and nominated members to six from four. We have given to the council 39 subjects related to development, and have promised to help in socio-economic development.
What about your talks with Ulfa?
We have had a couple of rounds of talks. We are making good progress.
Any chance of Ulfa chief Paresh Baruah joining talks?He is not willing. He is camping in Myanmar and China. That shows where he is getting inspiration from.
Many companies in the northeast and Naxal-affected areas are allegedly paying armed groups to avoid trouble.
Yes, we are aware of it.
Is this widespread?
The people who are doing construction work in the insurgency-hit areas pay what is called ‘protection money'. Naxalites threaten local businessmen. If they don't pay, Naxals attack them.
But this is not limited to local businessmen. Employees of Essar Steel were caught after allegedly paying Maoists in Dantewada.
That was wrong. It amounts to funding terrorism.
You are to meet the Pakistan home secretary for talks.
We've given Pakistan some dates. But Pakistan, which will host the meeting, has not yet responded. We expect that the talks will be held soon.
What are your expectations?
We would not approach the talks with any preconceived notion. I'll say what are the facts and share the evidence we have. I do expect my Pakistani counterpart to respond to our concerns, just as he would expect that we would respond to his concerns.
Your concern, as you recently said, is that the terrorist camps are still active in Pakistan.
Yes. We have specific reports, detailed photographs. We have the whole list and we have the numbers.
How many terrorist camps are there?
Some 40 camps.
You believe Pakistan is deliberately protecting them?
I can't answer on behalf of Pakistan.
Is there any way you can achieve peace with Pakistan?
That is why we are talking. We want one thing from Pakistan—stop providing its soil for harbouring terrorists, training terrorists and launching terrorist attacks.
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