Literateur to pursue peace process, calls for end of killing

Guwahati, Apr 22 (UNI) Chief peace negotiator with the ULFA and noted literateur Mamoni Raisom Goswami today said she will continue to pursue the peace process.

''We should all strive to restore peace in the state and I will keep trying so that all disputes are amiably resolved,'' she said, Dr Goswami was addressing an award-giving function in Golaghat town of Upper Asom.

The Jnanpith awardee had been the chief peace broker between the government and the outlawed ULFA. The peace process had, however, concluded unsuccessfully after three rounds of talks between the Centre and the ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG).

Dr Goswami stressed that without establishment of peace, the state would see no progress.

''This killing spree has to stop before the state can march towards the path of development, economical as well as cultural,'' she added.

Referring to the killing of the Hindi-speaking people in Upper Asom by the ULFA in January last, she said, ''My heart goes out to the effected families and my sympathies are with them.'' The trauma of these people has been portrayed in her new book 'Mamore Dhora Toruwal' (The Rusted Sword), she further said.

UNI