Govt toughens stand, no talk with ULFA

Guwahati, Jun 30 (UNI) The Assam Government today shut the doors for a negotiated settlement with the ULFA, saying any discussion on sovereignty could never be possible and urged the civil society to play a more active role in ushering peace.

Addressing a press conference here today, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi using the harshest words ever used, said the ULFA nominated Peoples Consultative Group(PCG) should not be recognized.

''People of Assam do not want sovereignty and there can never be any discussion on that. I have seen people like AGP president Brindabon Goswami and Gyanpith award winner Mamoni Roysom Goswami talking in favour of a talk which included sovereignty in its agenda. I would like to know from Goswami which side do they believe. People of Assam feel proud to be an Indian,'' he iterated.

Mr Gogoi's aggressive tone came after ULFA had split and the its main faction- the 28th battalion, came out offering ceasefire saying the people of Assam want peace.

''I have not yet got their official letter but welcome their bold decision. They have realized that ground realities and aspirations of the people. We are finalsing the ceasefire modalities.'' Ridiculing the ULFA leadership, the Chief Minister said, ''the battlefield is supposed to be Assam and ULFA's generals are fighting from their safe haven.'' About the possible increase of violence after the split, the Chief Minister said, ''we are aware of the threat. But we are not afraid. They were in anyway killing innocent people. I do not know whose interest is being served.'' Altogether seven persons were killed and 90 injured in the recent spurt of violence after the split. After the Mumbai and Kumarikata bomb blast last night ULFA killed a surrendered ULFA leader Tapan Saikia (31) at Jaljali under Mangaldoi police station.

Meanwhile, yet another bomb exploded this afternoon at Diphu. According to official source, it was a small bomb and damaged the wall of a office building while one received minor injuries.

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