Mamoni walks out of peace process, blame non-transparency

Guwahati, Nov 16 (UNI) ULFA peace initiator Dr Mamoni Goswami today walked out of the peace initiative, alleging non-transparency in the entire peace process.

''I am a writer and not a politician. I have nothing to hide and people of Asom should know what is going on actually. I am hurt and disappointed'' she said while speaking to newsmen after permanently returning to Guwahati from New Delhi today.

''Now the ULFA should hold talks directly. PCG is there. My colleague Reboti Phukan is also there to carry forward the talks. He can handle the job well from now. My job is over. I have taken the peace process this far'' she said dropping hints that she was not happy with the ULFA's activities.

'' Why so much of hostility. The Centre said they would discuss core issues.What more does the ULFA need? The core issue means sovereignty. I am grateful that they had given me enough respect and with the same respect I am now making a dignified exit to carry on my literary activities. Reboti has better understanding and contact with them than me'' she said.

Her exit has been regarded as the single most blow to the whole peace process as she has been the only face whom people of Asom used to trust in the last one year of peace process.

''The PCG had three rounds of meetings. After that what happened I do not understand. I still do not understand what is going on behind the scene. I am frustrated and hurt at the level of violence being carried out by the ULFA by killing innocent people,'' she said.

She did try to balance her position between the Centre and the ULFA but her anger towards the ULFA was apparent. ''If there is a crisis I can still help them out but will not play a direct role,'' she said.

The peace process has been in a stalemate for quite some time as the ULFA has been insisting that the Centre discuss the sovereignty issue and release the top five jailed ULFA leaders before the start of direct talk.

On the other hand, the Centre has been demanding a letter expressing interest for talk from the ULFA.

As both the parties have hardened their stand, the hope for peace has reduced dramatically in the past few weeks with reports of bombing from all over Asom.

UNI MT KK DB1835