Clear cut policy on Ulfa demnded

Guwahati, June 17 : Police and security forces, engaged in counter-insurgency operation in Asom, are keeping their fingers crossed in the run up to the third round of preparatory talks between ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) and the Centre on June 22.

Even as counter-insurgency operations in the state have been given a renewed thrust following the latest series of ULFA-detonated explosions, there is a general longing among the police and security forces for a clear cut policy on part of the Central government vis-À-vis the peace initiative of the ULFA-nominated PCG after the June 22 round of talks.

However,the police claim that there has never been a phase of soft paddling in the operation against the banned militant group, the current peace initiative has only been a distraction for forces engaged in counter-insurgency operations as that might have gone to advantage of the militant group.

A police source said because of the peace initiative and related propaganda campaign launched by certain frontal organization of the banned ULFA, the police often finds itself in a demoralizing situation if a hardcore cadre of the banned militant group is apprehended or killed. A hue and cry is raised blaming the police and security forces for trying to derail the peace initiative.

However, the same frontal organizations tried to justify ULFA's 'action' of triggering bombs killing innocent people even after the date for third round of PCG-GOI talks had been announced. These organizations, including a couple of PCG members, blamed the Union government for forcing the banned ULFA to detonate explosions because of 'delaying tactics' adopted regarding the peace initiative.

The security forces and police fighting ULFA militants hoped that the central government after talking to the PCG this time will take a clear cut stand regarding the ULFA. The Central government has been conveyed that it should be either peace talks and ceasefire or full scale counter-insurgency operation.

UNI