CPI demands direct talks with ULFA

Guwahati, Dec 1 (UNI) The Asom CPI unit has demanded the government to initiate direct talks with the banned ULFA to find out a suitable solution to the insurgency problems of the state.

The party's state executive meet here yesterday under chairmanship Phani Chetia discussed the state's political scenario and resolved to pressurise both the sides to hold talks.

Addressing the mediapersons here, party's national executive member Pramode Gogoi and former Rajya Sabha MP Drupad Borgohain said the situation in Upper Asom had remained very volatile with ULFA engaged in an offensive and army launching counter insurgency operations.

''People have suffered a lot due to this. The death of a five-year-old boy during army operation was an example of the sufferings,'' Mr Gogoi pointed out.

The party also urged the people irrespective of language, religion and culture to launch mass campaign in favour of peace to create a conducive situation for dialogue.

''People of Asom will have to pressurise the Centre. After all, the UPA government had included the issue in its national common minimum programme,'' Mr Gogoi said.

Both leaders regretted that the Centre was also putting conditions for holding negotiation with the outfit. They said talks could start without any condition.

The party in its meeting yesterday also favoured an all political party meeting at New Delhi to discuss the issue.

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