Presence of ULFA base in Bangladesh and Myanmar: Gogoi

Guwahati, Mar 27 (UNI) Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the presence of ULFA camps in Bangladesh and Myanmar has made it difficult to neutralise militant groups here.

Addressing a press conference, Mr Gogoi said the banned ULFA could survive the constant pressure of Army operations because of its base in neighbouring Bangladesh and Myanmar.

Though the Centre is in touch with Myanmar government regarding the militant camps, Bangladesh government had been steadfastly refusing the presence of any militant camps there, Mr Gogoi said.

He said talks must be held with the ULFA at some point of time for a permanent solution to the problem. ''I still hope talks with the ULFA would materialise. It may be delayed, but it has to happen as the ultimate solution could be found only through dialogue,'' he added.

Mr Gogoi countered the allegation leveled by the BJP president Rajnath Singh about the Congress government being soft towards handling insurgency and terror in the state.

''We are not soft to anybody. We have been dealing with the situation firmly but at the same time we are keeping the option open for holding dialogue with insurgents for finding a permanent solution to the problem,'' he added.

Mr Gogoi also said there was no question of accepting the ULFA's precondition for talks on restoration of Asom's sovereignty as the issue could not be conceded by the Centre as per the Indian Constitution.

Regarding holding of plebiscite, Mr Gogoi said it was not at all necessary given the people of Asom had been spontaneously participating in elections in the state.

UNI