'Centre must convene all party meeting on ULFA'

Guwahati, Aug 25: CPI National executive council member Pramode Gogoi today demanded an all party meeting on the ULFA problem and also on the progress of the ongoing negotiation.

Talking to newspersons he said the Centre has initiated such efforts in Jammu and Kashmir. Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi had also taken such steps while negotiating with the All Asom Students Union during the Asom Movement.

'' The political parties will have to become a part of the Constitution amendment, if required, to solve the problem and the Union government should take the parties from the state into confidence,'' the veteran CPI leader said.

Welcoming the efforts to bring lasting peace in the state as a right step, he said release of the arrested ULFA leaders should not become a hurdle for continuing talks. He also hoped that the present ceasefire would be extended further.

'' The Naga peace talks has been continuing for the last nine years with ceasefire being extended every time, although a final solution is yet to come,'' Mr Gogoi pointed out.

He said parallel discussions with political parties could help the government in solving the problem and the Centre has taken such measures earlier. Even now, the Union government was holding talks with both the militant organisations and political parties of Jammu and Kashmir, he added.

The CPI leader also clarified the party's stand during the Asom Movement claiming that most of its suggestions were accepted by both the agitation leaders and the government while making the Asom Accord.

UNI