ULFA overture revives hope for peace

Guwahati, Feb 7 (UNI) Asom government is unlikely to ease the security operations in the state even though ULFA has withdrawn the boycott call of the National Games.

''We appeal to ULFA for direct contact and are always ready for talks,'' Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, thanking ULFA for withdrawing the boycott call of the National Games.

The decision of the ULFA has lightened the pressure mounted over the police, athletes and general public, he said yesterday.

However, Mr Gogoi has decided not to ease the security measures.

''ULFA has withdrawn the boycott call against National Games only. They have not announced cessation of hostilities. We can not lower our guards,'' he told newspersons.

Asked whether he would like to reciprocate the ULFA gesture to use it as a window of opportunity, Mr Gogoi categorically said they had to stop violence before holding any talks.

There has been a growing pressure from within the Congress that government should respond and suspend army operation as a section of the party members were being targetted by ULFA in upper Asom.

However, sources close to the Chief Minister confirmed that it would not be possible.

''This time there would be no suspension of army operation.

ULFA has always used this opportunity when the Army was getting ready for the final kill. It can be stopped only if they stop violence and negotiate directly,'' he said.

The government today reviewed the entire law and order situation of the state and decided to maintain the present security level.

''We will not take any chance. The tight security arrangement will continue,'' State Director General of Police R N Mathur said.

The DGP said the Centre had provided 20 companies of paramilitary forces exclusively for the National Games.

The PCPIA, a conglomerate of 20 organisations and an over ground wing of ULFA, had asked the state government to use this opportunity in bringing peace.

Both the Centre and state government should act promptly to rethink their strategies and come forward to hold negotiations with ULFA. This is a good opportunity and now it is up to New Delhi and Dispur whether to cash in on it or let it go, PCPIA convenor Birinchi Neog said.

UNI