Senior citizen appeal for peace

Guwahati, Jan 11 (UNI) Hundreds of intellectuals and artists have jointly appealed to the ULFA to shun violence while condemning the killings.

In a joint statement, they said ''We are shocked and deeply distressed at the recent killings of more than 60 Hindi-speaking people by the United Liberation Front of Assam in different parts of the state.

''We unequivocally condemn this inhuman and barbarous act and appeal to the ULFA to desist from such acts. The families of the victims should immediately be compensated for adequately and the government should do everything possible to provide the safety and security of life to the Hindi-speaking people in the state.

''The government, political parties and all concerned should act most cautiously and responsibly to bring the situation under control. In this crisis time we also appeal to all sections of the people to maintain calm and mutual trust and never to be carried away by any provocations and rumors.'' The appeal was signed by the who's who of Assam.

UNI