ULFA asks pvt companies to help end exodus from AP, K'taka

Guwahati, Aug 16: The United Liberation Front of Asom (

) has called upon companies of Andhra Pradesh and other states with business interest in

to use their influence and goodwill to stop exodus of students and professionals from North East residing in those states.

"We ask those companies with headquarters in Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Maharashtra and other states to use their leverage with governments in those states to help restore normalcy," ULFA Vice Chairman Pradip Gogoi told PTI over phone.

Gogoi, who came overground a few years ago, is currently engaged in peace talks with the Centre. He is considered a confidante of ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who was recently expelled by the anti-talk faction. "We want peace to return in the state. We also want our compatriots from Assam and other North Eastern states who are studying or working in other states to be able to work and live in peace in those places," Gogoi said.

He blamed the Centre and various state governments on "not doing enough" to remove the sense of insecurity among such people.

"Besides, we need a consensus among all political parties to bring back peace to the trouble-torn areas of Assam. The visit of central leaders have not resulted in any substantive improvement in the situation," Gogoi said.

Meanwhile, in Tinsukia senior pro-talk ULFA leader Jiten Dutta warned that if people from the North East faced any harassment, strong action would be taken against companies from those states who have business in Assam.

PTI