'Missing' ULFA leaders' wives' health deteriorate

Guwahati, Apr 13(UNI) The condition of three of the six fasting wives of "missing" ULFA leaders was stated to be critical as the women refused to take food for the 24th day today, with the state government was under scathing attack for 'failing' to take any concrete steps for redressal of their demands.

The six women had been on an indefinite hunger strike since March 21 demanding the whereabouts of their husbands, who had remained untraceable since the Royal Bhutan Army launched 'Operation All Clear' against the ULFA on its soil in December, 2003.

The condition of the PCPIA activists, who had also launched on an indefinite hunger strike since April 6, to show their solidarity to the fasting wives and mount pressure on the government, also showed signs of deterioration but were stable.

PCPIA member Lachit Bordoloi informed that two of the fasting activists of the organisation were suffering from dehydration, though they were out of danger as of now.

Quoting doctors of the district administration who attend to the strikers daily, he said, ''Some of the fasting activists have shown signs of rise in blood pressure and pulse rate. But their condition is not alarming.'' Altogether nine activists of the People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA), a conglomerate of 27 pro-talks organisations, had participated in the indefinite hunger strike.

The PCPIA had been launching various agitations across the state to pressurise the government to create an atmosphere conducive for talks with the ULFA.

Mr Bordoloi further informed that the condition of three of the six fasting ULFA wives was critical.

''Their condition is fast deteriorating and is a cause of serious concern for doctors now,'' he added.

Meanwhile, the main Opposition party Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) today criticised the government, alleging that the government had not accorded much importance to the agitation launched by the six women.

AGP president Brindabon Goswami said, ''The fact that the government has not tried to resolve the issue with a humanitarian approach exposes their fascist nature.'' He also extended support to the fasting PCPIA activists and urged the government to disclose the whereabouts of the missing ULFA leaders before any further deterioration in the situation.

The state government had filed its affidavit pertaining to a pending litigation regarding the missing ULFA leaders in the Gauhati High Court yesterday, while the Centre sought more time for submitting its affidavit. The Centre has been directed to file its affidavit by May 2.

UNI