ULFA echoes 'Army go back' slogan

Guwahati, May 11 (UNI) Close on the heels of the unprecedented protest in upper Asom in the wake of the killing of an 'innocent' by the Army, the banned ULFA today slammed the security forces for 'denying fundamental rights to the people of Asom'.

Citing the killing of Budheswar Moran as ''another instance exemplifying the misrule of the India colonial rulers'', ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said in an e-mail to the media, ''The widespread protests show the resentment among the people of Asom.'' ''After killing an innocent, the Army admits it had committed a mistake and is shedding crocodile tears. Even the state government has relieved itself of the responsibilities by announcing Rs 3 lakh.

Can a meager Rs 3 lakh, return a precious life?'' Mr Rajkhowa asked.

He alleged that the Army has denied the Assamese of their fundamental rights.

Appealing to the people to rise against the 'suppressive rule' of the Army, the ULFA also reiterated its demand for withdrawal of the Army from the state.

Meanwhile, villagers protesting the killing Moran continued to block the national highway at Rupai in Doomdooma in Tinsukia district for the sixth consecutive day today.

The protesters are demanding that the chief minister and the governor visit them and hear their grievances.

Supply of essential commodities to Sadiya subdivision and four districts of Arunachal Pradesh were adversely affected following the agitation.

The villagers yesterday cremated the victim's body at his native village in Tirap.

Two probes, one by Army and another by a state government appointed commission, are underway to identify the lapses in the killing of Moran.

This is the third incident of fake encounter by the Army operating in the state in 15 months.

The killings of Moni Gogoi and Ajit Mahanta by the Army in January this year and February last year respectively also saw similar protests. Two Army officers were court marshalled for staging an encounter in the Ajit Mahanta's case.

UNI