Fasting ULFA leaders' wives:CM warns against 'exploiting situation'

Guwahati, Apr 19 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the 'sentimental situation' arising out of the fast-unto-death by 'missing' ULFA leaders' wives is being 'exploited' by a few individuals and groups.

He warned that the government won't allow anybody to take advantage of the situation.

Talking to reporters here, Mr Gogoi reiterated his appeal to the fasting wives to call off their agitation and willingness on part of the government for talks with the outlawed ULFA.

Six wives of ULFA leaders had been on an indefinite hunger strike since March 21, demanding the whereabouts of their husbands who had been untraceable since 'Operation All Clear' by the Royal Bhutanese Army on its soil in December 2003.

Another 12 activists of the pro-talks People's Committee for Peace Initiative in Asom (PCPIA) had also joined the protesting women and sat on a hunger strike since April 6.

Reacting to reports that the hunger strike was being highlighted by some organisations to gain sympathy of the people for the outfit, Mr Gogoi said, ''Some people are trying to exploit the sentimental situation. But the government won't allow it to go out of hand.'' He said the government was concerned about the condition of the fasting wives and Cabinet ministers had also visited them to personally request that they call off the agitation.

The chief minister said, ''Whatever information we had of the militants captured, handed over and killed during the 'Operation All Clear' as submitted by Bhutan, we have placed before the High Court.

The state government has no further information.'' MORE UNI