I will continue to strike a peace with ULFA: Goswami

Shillong, May 5 (UNI) Asom should remain undeterred on its path towards peace in the state, eminent Assamese writer and Bharatiya Jnanpith Award-winner Mamoni Raisom Goswami said here today.

''We have gone through rough weather in Asom over the past 27 years, during which 20,000 people have lost their lives. But that will not deter us, we shall go ahead in our pursuit of peace,'' she said.

Releasing a book - ''Who the Cap Fits'' - authored by Meghalaya's Minister in-charge Higher and Technical Education Robert Garnet Lyngdoh here today, Ms Goswami vowed to continue his fight for peace between the proscribed ULFA and the government.

''As a writer, she would always strive towards peace in her ''motherland'' Asom, regardless of all hurdles,'' the peace negotiator said, adding ''I have opened up the door to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) for the first time for holding peace negotiations.'' Asked about her next action, Ms Goswami said ''direct talks'' between the ULFA and the Central government was a must.

She said killing and extortion in Asom had 'tripled' since the peace-process was derailed.

''The ULFA is certainly annoyed with the derailment of the peace-process,'' Ms Goswami said even as she claimed that leader of the banned outfit Paresh Baruah was still in touch with her through phone.

UNI