CM confident of peaceful I-Day

Guwahati, Jul 24 (UNI) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today said the state would witness a peaceful Independence Day celebration, with security arrangements being made in this regard.

''The August 15 celebrations would be peaceful as in previous years,'' he said.

The proscribed ULFA is known to strike during the Independence and Republic Day celebrations and its run-up.

Referring to the peace initiatives started by 'A' and 'C' companies of ULFA's '28th battalion', Mr Gogoi said, ''It has been a positive start and the response from the people has also been good.'' He also urged the people to put more pressure on ULFA's central leadership and said, ''People want peace and it won't be long before ULFA c-in-c Paresh Baruah sees the writing on the wall.'' The Chief Minister informed that a plan for training and rehabilitation of the ULFA cadres, who have come forward for talks, was being worked out, in consultation with the rebels themselves.

UNI SG PL AM AS1644