12-Party delegation urge centre to start peace talks with ULFA

New Delhi, Nov 25 (UNI) Twelve-party delegation from Asom has conveyed the people's desire for immediate resumption of direct peace talks with the underground leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ASOM) in order to bring permanent peace in the entire region.

A 19 member delegation of twelve political parties led by the former State Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta called on Home Minister Shivraj Patil here this evening and apprised him of the present situation in the State.

The delegation urged Mr Patil to immediately declare a total ceasefire in the region in a bid to make a conducive atmosphere for holding the peace process talks.

Talking to UNI Mr Mahanta said the delegation mebers expressed strong resentment at the recent statment of the Chinese Ambassador proclaiming Arunachal Pradesh as part of China.

The delegation urged the Government to issue a strong worded statement on this.

He said Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of the Indian sovereignty and no compromise could be made on this.

The delegation also asked Mr Patil to make a seismic survey of the Bhramhaputra river to have a complete knowledge of its future course of flow and its possible repurcussion in the event if the Chinese authorities go ahead with their proposed plan of constructing a dam.

He said the proposed Chinese plan on Bhramhaputra river would have an adverse impact on the endengered dolphin species of the North Eastern Region.

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