Raju Barua interacts with the media in Guwahati on Saturday after being released on bail. Picture by Eastern Projections

Charia (Nalbari), Nov. 27: Ulfa deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua,who was released from jail today, said a “third force” was trying to derail the nascent peace process between Ulfa and the government.

Speaking at a public meeting in his village Charia in Nalbari district, Barua asked people to remain vigilant against any attempt to scuttle the peace process. “A section of people who had benefited from insurgency do not want peace to return to the state,” he said without elaborating.

Barua was released from Central Jail in Guwahati at 11.30am after being granted bail in two TADA cases and a CBI case. A festive atmosphere gripped Barua’s native village when he reached there around 1pm. Thousands gathered along the route from Arikuchi Chowk to his village, a distance of 4km, and Bihu and Bagurumba dance troupes performed all the way to welcome him back. He was also felicitated by members of Karia Yubak Sangha at Karia in Nalbari district on the way.

At the public meeting held at Charia M.E. School, he was felicitated by families of Ulfa “martyrs” and other organisations such as Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), the Asom Yuva Parishad and Hindu Yuba Chatra Parishad.

Hundreds of people thronged his residence for a glimpse of the Ulfa leader. The police have tightened the security at his house.

Barua and his family members became emotional as he was returning home after more than two decades. He had left home on November 17, 1986 to join Ulfa.

Earlier in the day, his mother Chajjaya Bala Kalita said she was eagerly waiting to see her son after so many years and the Ulfa problem should be solved as both the outfit and the government wanted a solution. “I want that he should put the past behind him and lead a peaceful life,” she said.

Barua told reporters that Ulfa wanted talks to be held with full dignity and honour. “We will not hold talks by keeping people in the dark.” He said they wanted Ulfa commander-in-chief Paresh Barua and general secretary Anup Chetia to join the peace process.