AGP urges Kalam's intervention in resuming peace talks with ULFA

New Delhi, Oct 10 (UNI) An eight-member delegation of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) called on President A P J Abdul Kalam here today and submitted a memorandum to him urging for the immediate resumption of peace talks between the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the Central Government.

The delegation urged the President to direct the Centre to immediately hold discussion with the ULFA without any further delay for the greater interest of the people of Asom and North Eastern Region(NER) and also asked to set free the jailed top ULFA leaders to create a congenial atmosphere for the talks.

The memorandum also sought the President's direct intervention for immediate withdrawal of army operations in Asom in order to open the path for revival of talks honouring the sentiment of the people of Asom for a lasting peace in the state as well as in the region.

Later talking to newsmen the delegation leader and Lok Sabha MP Sarbananda Sonowal said the stand taken by the Centre for the resumption of peace process is impractical from all sides.

He said the Centre should use its good offices to convince the ULFA leaders that they are equally keen on bringing a permanent peace in the region.

The other members in the AGP delegation includes Lok Sabha MP Dr Arun K Sarma, former Union Minister Birendra Prasad Baishya, MLA's Prabin Gogoi, Joseph Toppo, Prasanta Boruah, Romendra Narayan Kalita and former minister Hiranya Konwar.

Mr Sonowal said the president showed keen interest of knowing the present political and law and order situation in Asom as well as in the region and assured the delegation that he would get the matter examined.

UNI BKS SSC RS1855