Moderate ULFA group criticize ULFA top brass

Sadiya (Assam-Arunachal border), Jun 26 (UNI) The ULFA moderate faction, which had defied its central leadership to announce a ceasefire, today accused its top ranks of not being interested in negotiated settlement to the proscribed outfit's demands.

In a press conference convened near Sadiya along Assam-Arunachal border, about 600 kms from Assam's capital city of Guwahati, leaders of the ULFA's 28th battalion alleged that its central leadership was not interested in peace talks with the government.

'' The (ULFA) cadres want peace talks to start and to put pressure on the central leadership to come forward for negotiations that we have announced the ceasefire,'' the leaders said.

Top ULFA leader Mrinal Hazarika, who was released on bail last week, Jiten Dutta and Rudra Gogoi addressed the press conference at a camp of the 28th battalion, for which the mediapersons had to travel almost 12 kms on foot and motor cycle.

The 'A' and 'C' companies of the 28th battalion had announced the unilateral truce on Tuesday while the 'B' company opposed it.

Addressing the media, they hinted that following the NSCN style, the moderate faction would like to maintain a designated camp and wait for the response of the government.

Meanwhile, the police and security forces had been asked not to carry out any operation in the area.

Referring to the previous peace initiatives by the ULFA constituted People's Consultative Group (PCG), the leaders said the PCG had completely failed to hold the talks.

There were differences of opinion in forming the PCG, they added.

More UNI XC-SG-MT KK AKJ PM1748