Govt., ULFA urged to hold unconditional talks

GUWAHATI - A State-level convention here has appealed to the Assam Government and rebels of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to come forward and hold unconditional talks to restore peace in the State.

Organised by the Citizens’ Forum, a group of eminent people of the State, the event held on Saturday was participated by representatives of several social bodies, student organizations, and political leaders.

Various intellectuals present at the convention took this opportunity to help break the deadlock in the stalled discussions between the Government and the rebels.

“Our whole intention in this convention from our party’s side is that the Assam government should be serious and they should come forward with all sincerity, and if someone is not interested to come forward; also government should try its level-best to bring them all together on the discussion table,” said Chandramohan Patowary, President of Assam Gana Parishad, the main opposition party of Assam.

Recently, Assam’s Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi had disclosed that the Government would not ‘wait indefinitely’ for the elusive ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah to come forth for talks.

Many people, participating in the convention, said that the Government should ensure an end to the bloodbath in the State.

“ULFA (United Liberation Front of Asom) has said that discussion should take place. They have said that there should be discussions on their demand for self-determination. And if discussions will take place, peace would definitely come to the state,” said Mukul Dutta, a participant in the convention.

It may be recalled that Baruah had refused to come for talks by contending his outfit will not compromise on anything less than sovereignty or independence for Assam.

Some top ULFA leaders, including its chairman, Arabinda Rajkhowa are presently in police custody and interned in a prison in Assam.

More than 20 militant groups operate in the northeast region. (ANI)