ULFA days numbered; Bihar delegation arrives in Tinsukia: Jaiswal

Guwahati, Jan 7(UNI) Union Minister of State for Home Sriprakash Jaiswal today announced of intensified strikes against the proscribed ULFA, warning the outfit that its days were numbered.

Talking to reporters at the airport here after meeting the Chief Minister and visiting the worst-hit districts of Dibrugarh and Tinsukia earlier in the day, Mr Jasiwal said, ''The state government has been instructed to compile new strategy to fight the insurgents.

Operations against the ULFA will be intensified.'' As many as 48 people, mostly Hindi-speaking, were shot dead by ULFA militants on Friday night in the three districts of Dibrugarh, Dhemaji and Tinsukia in Upper Asom.

Mr Jaiswal informed that more paramilitary troops would be send to the state, if necessary, after reviewing the situation with the Prime Minister on the basis of his ground inspection. 78 additional companies are already on way for the state, with 120 companies already deployed here.

He, however, added that the Centre was always open for talks if the outfit abjured violence and sat for dialogue.

The Union minister also asserted that the National Games in Guwahati in February would be held as per schedule.

Meanwhile, the ministerial team from Bihar, accompanied by op officials, arrived in Tinsukia in the evening and proceeded to Longsual, the spot of the national highway blockade by aggrieved victim families.

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