KLO leader: On sovereign Kamtapur talks with Govt at slow pace

Assam: Jon Koch, leader of the pro-militant group Kamtapur Liberation Organization (KLO), said on April 15 that peace talks with the central government on the demand for a separate Kamtapur state are proceeding at a slow pace.
Speaking to reporters, the KLO leader said that the Ministry of Interior has been extending its support to the group so far and therefore, he is hopeful for a positive outcome after the conclusion of the talks. The KLO leader also said that the government has allowed free movement of KLO freedom-fighter on the occasion of Bihu, but KLO president Jeevan Singha has not availed of the free movement.
“We reached Guwahati on January 18. Our only demand as stated in the memorandum sent to the Government of India is to demand a separate Kamtapur State or UTC through peaceful negotiations.
According to the government, six districts within Assam, eight districts of West Bengal and three districts of Bihar will comprise the Kamtapur state as mentioned in the memorandum. Discussions are ongoing with the Ministry of Home Affairs as this is a sensitive issue.
Indian government is fully supporting our demand. But due to a few hurdles, our talks are progressing at a slow pace”, Jon Koch said while talking to the media.
KLO added, “KLO members are confident that there will be a positive solution to our demand. Various statements, comments are being made regarding the talks, but we know that the talks are entirely based on our one demand. And that is separate Kamtapur state.