Dhaka, Sep.6 (ANI): Indian officials accompanying Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh on his two-day visit to Bangladesh have said that New Delhi has requested the Bangladesh Government to expedite the extradition of ULFA leader Anup Chetia.
Speaking on condition of anonymity, the officials said: " They (Bangladesh) have a legal process. We have made a request. Let us see."
Chetia, who is the ULFA's general secretary, is currently lodged in a Dhaka jail.
Last month, India's Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran said New Delhi has taken up security-related issues, including handing over of Chetia and various Indian insurgent group leaders reportedly hiding or detained in Bangladesh with the Government of Bangladesh.
"Details of action initiated by the government of Bangladesh for handing over of Anup Chetia are not available. Hence, no specific time frame can be indicated in this regard.
However, matter is being pursued with the Government of Bangladesh regularly," Ramachandran told members of the Indian Parliament.
Chetia is now in protective custody on orders of the Dhaka High Court. His petition to the Bangladesh Government for asylum is pending for disposal.
Chetia's extradition to India reportedly did not figure in talks between the two governments at the interior ministers level in July this year.
Chetia and his two associates were arrested in Dhaka on December 21, 1997 and sentenced to seven years jail for illegal entry and possession of firearms.
Though their jail term has ended, Chetia has reportedly refused to return to India apprehending insecurity of his life.
He has sought asylum in Bangladesh. By Smita Prakash (ANI)
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