People expect peace talks to commence in Assam

Guwahati, Dec 7 (ANI): Some youth groups in Assam hope that the Central Government will hold peace talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

Bapon Singh, a youth, said: "Nothing can be achieved through violence. For a solution one needs to talk and negotiate. People of Assam want peace."

Rajkhowa, self-styled chairman of ULFA was produced in a court in India's northeastern Guwahati city on Saturday (December 05) amidst tight security.

Khanin Pegu, a young man said people were suffering because of the insurgency.

"The government needs to talk to separatists like ULFA. People of Assam are suffering due to the tussle between government and them. Government should try to bring normalcy in the state as soon as possible," said Pegu.

The ULFA, which demands independence for the tea and oil-rich Assam, is biggest insurgent group, running a three-decade-old campaign that has killed some 30,000 people.

Though the ULFA's military strength has waned, it still remains a potent force and has even stepped up attacks in recent weeks. At least six people were killed and 40 wounded in two bomb blasts in Assam last month. (ANI)