ULFA: Hope for peace talk evaporates in Asom

Guwahati, Nov 8: A fresh talk between the Government and ULFA leaders diminished further in trouble-torn Asom as peace negotiator Indira Goswmai has refused to carry on initiative after a twin blasts in Guwahati.

"I'm embarrassed to even raise the subject before Mr (MK) Narayanan" said Jnanpith award winner Dr Indira Goswami while talking to reporters over phone from New Delhi. National Security Adviser, Mr M K Narayanan, is a personal friend of Dr Goswmai and she has used that rapport to push for peace process of Asom. "I'm now embarrassed. I'm leaving for Asom on 15th next. I shall be there for next three years or may be more to carry on my literary activities'' she said with a bitter tone.

It was she who literally single handedly pushed the peace deal bringing ulfa and the Centre closer to the negotiating table. It was because her persistence effort the Peoples' Consultative Group(PCG) group was formed to clear the deck for the rebels.

"The ULFA did a very bad thing. I have asked Rebati (Phukan) to come to New Delhi before I go for a last courtesy call to Mr Narayanan'' she said.

Ms. Goswamai has been living in New Delhi for past three decades as she teaches in the Delhi University. She returns to Guwahati for pursing her literary work.

Mr Phukan, the childhood friend of ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua, is leaving for New Delhi in a day or two. "This will be a courtesy call to Mr Narayanan only " she emphasised.

Back in Guwahati, Union Home Secretary VK Duggal although did not slam the door of peace on the face of the ULFA, but he said that without sincerity, there would be no peace.

" We are still for peace. We consider them (ulfa) as misguided elements. But there has to be some sincerity", he said making it clear that the outfit would probably face retaliation from the security agencies.

Mr Duggal returned to New Delhi last evening after reviewing the law and order situation of Asom.

On the other hand the migrant labourers were apprehensive and scared after Sunday's twin blasts that killed 14 and wounded scores of people.

Manwhile, movement of security forces beefed up in central and lower Asom and the army might return to help the civil administration in urban areas.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi was daily reviewing the situation with police and civil officials.

UNI