Guwahati, Dec 22: A number of cadres, who left the banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) recently, blame the separatist outfit for many of the ills plaguing Assam.

They say that the ULFA is no longer true to its own cause. It has turned barbaric.

Over 300 ULFA cadres, who returned to the mainstream, are working hard to bring their lives on track.

Jaleshwar Mushahar, a former rebel, after leading a nomadic life in the forests for over two years has now shunned the gun and is delving into books, apart from acquiring computer skills.

Mushahari said: "I like it here (at the rehabilitation camp). I am expecting to make a fresh beginning and I am acquiring skills in computer technology. Although, I can't get a government job, I will use the skill to survive on my own and make life better. That is my aim. "

Several others like Mushahari, who had given up the outfit, have taken shelter at the rehabilitation camp. Arrangements have been made at the camp for training them in various professional and technical fields. Besides each one is being paid Rs 200 per month.

However, some former rebels complain about being charged for the food served at the camp.

Anwaruddin Ahmad, a former ULFA cadre, said: "I have come back willingly. And arrangements have been made to provide us with training in various areas. But the facilities that we are getting are not as we were promised. We have to pay for food from Rs 200 that is being given to us. That is the only problem we are facing otherwise we are liking the new place. "

The former rebels realise that killing the people of Assam is like murdering own relatives.

Brajan Kalita, another former ULFA cadre, said: "I don't appreciate the killings. I feel we end up killing our own people. So there can be no benefit from such cruel murder. ULFA has deteriorated and is corrupt. It has become cruel. That is why people don't support the ULFA any more. "

The former ULFA cadres believe that the solution to the problems of the people should be found through talks and not through violence.

"ULFA has become barbaric because they have been killing ruthlessly. ULFA is trying to bring a solution by killing the people and that is not going to yield any positive results. There should be proper peace talks, not violence to end the problems in Assam, " said Vijay Kumar, a former ULFA cadre.

Peace talks held in 2006 ended in a deadlock with ULFA setting preconditions for direct talks. The inflexibility displayed by the militant group has also been criticised by some of the cadres, who gave up its fold.

They feel that the ULFA leadership has vested interests and not interests of the Assamese' in mind.

It is this anti-people attitude of the separatist group that has forced more than 300 cadres in just three months to think afresh about being members of the outfit. (ANI)