Former Asom CM credits ULFA for peaceful National Games

Guwahati, Mar 1 (UNI) Former Asom Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta today said the 33rd Nationals Games were conducted peacefully because ULFA chose not to disrupt it and not due to measures taken by the government.

He also criticised Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi for failing to curb ULFA, while addressing a press meet here.

''The same Mr Gogoi who had declared jehad against ULFA after the carnage of Hindi-speaking people in January had to resort to appealing to the outfit for the conduct of the Games,'' he added.

Mr Gogoi had, however, dismissed such claims, stating that the 11,000 players and officials had confirmed their participation even before ULFA had lifted its boycott call.

He, of course, did not take away any credit for show of ''sportsmanship'' on part of the banned outfit by responding to the call for withdrawal of boycott from different quarters.

Mr Gogoi had pointed out that infrastructure had been developed by the government and it had arrangements in place for smooth conduct of the Games in face of any eventuality.

Mr Mahanta, however, urged early unconditional talks between ULFA and the Centre as peace was foremost in the minds of the people of the state.

UNI