Arabinda Rajkhowa before the Rang Ghar. File picture

Guwahati, June 10: Rang Ghar, the birthplace of Ulfa, will now play host to a convention organised by families of those killed by the proscribed outfit, in the hope of signalling an end to insurgency in the state.

Organised under the banner of the Xontrax Virudhi Xanti Abhibartan, the organisers have invited family members of some high profile Ulfa victims such as the wives of slain social activist Sanjoy Ghose and Russian coal expert Sergei Gritchenko.

Dhananjoy Saikia, adviser to the Forum for Terrorist Victims’ Family, Assam, said Rang Ghar, the Ahom-era amphitheatre located 3km from Sivasagar town, was chosen as the venue for the July 19-20 convention for a reason.

“Ulfa was born at Rang Ghar on April 7, 1979. We now want it to be the place from where the end of terrorism in Assam is signalled by the assembly of affected families. It will be a gathering of only the victims’ families, who will also be lighting candles for peace. We have also invited Sumita Ghose to attend the convention. She is coordinating with Gritchenko’s wife. Around 2,000 affected family members are expected to attend from all over the state,” Saikia, who lost his journalist father Kamala Saikia, said.

Leading organisations like AASU, AJYCP and Assam Public Works have also been invited, besides noted actor and vocal critic of terrorism Pranjal Saikia, intellectuals Kanak Sen Deka and Homen Borgohain and senior police official Bhaskarjyoti Mahanta.

Saikia added that the Abhibartan’s broad objectives included seeking justice for the trauma they had suffered, conveying their sufferings to the people of Assam and also to outline how future generations could be saved from such trauma. This will include an appeal to make them a part of the proposed peace talks.

“We have a lot to say. We can make a lot of difference if we are made a part of the peace process. Let me make one thing clear: We are for the peace process and lasting peace, but we also want justice, so that those thinking about taking up arms think twice before doing so.

“The call for justice is the common refrain of those affected by the armed struggle of the Ulfa, which has claimed over 10,000 lives. We will also seek suggestions from our guests to prepare a roadmap for a peaceful Assam,” he said.

Asked whether their demand for justice would hamper the peace process, Saikia reiterated, “We are not against the peace process, but we want justice so that there are no more victims like us. Period. It is up to the government to decide how they want to take the process forward.”

The affected families have already petitioned the state government to hear them out before the formal talks with Ulfa get under way.

A senior official today said the government had received their petition last month and would definitely look into their grievances. He was also hopeful that the call for justice would not derail the peace process.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi today said the government would be lenient towards those who came forward for talks and abide by the rules to usher in peace.

Reacting to the development, a circumspect Ulfa vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi told The Telegraph, “Aren’t we all victims? Haven’t Mithinga Daimary, Sasha Choudhury and Uma Gogoi suffered in our struggle? Therefore, we all need to move on and find a solution to the problem in the greater interest of Assam. We want cooperation from all sections of society.”