Hopes for peace talk evaporates in Asom

Guwahati, Nov 8 (UNI) Hopes for peace talks between the Government and ULFA leaders diminished further in Asom as peace negotiator Indira Goswmai refused to carry on the initiative after the twin blasts in Guwahati.

''I am embarrassed to even raise the subject before Mr M K Narayanan'' said the Jnanpith award winner while talking to reporters over phone from New Delhi.

National Security Adviser, Mr M K Narayanan, is a personal friend of Dr Goswami and she has used that rapport to push for the peace process of Asom. ''I'm now embarrassed. I'm leaving for Asom on the 15th next. I will be there for next three years or may be more to carry on my literary activities'' she said.

Dr. Goswami was prominent among those pressing for bringing ULFA and the Centre closer to the negotiating table. She had also worked to form the Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) to clear the decks for talks.

''The ULFA did a very bad thing. I have asked former Assam footballer 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 the past three decades as she is a professor at Delhi University.

Ms Phukan, the childhood friend of ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua, is leaving for New Delhi in a day or two.

Union Home Secretary V K Duggal during his Assam visit, did not slam the door of peace on the face of the ULFA, but he said 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.

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

The 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.

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