Assam's people's forum urges peace talks with rebel outfit

Guwahati, Dec 9 (ANI): The People's Committee for Peace Initiatives in Assam (PCPIA) has urged the central government to hold peace talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

"We have seen the people of Assam are aspiring for peace and the government is reluctant to give in to people's wishes and we are protesting against this," said Dilip Patgari, member of PCPIA.

"We are supporting this programme which is being organized by PCPIA because we support the peace process and we also support the peace talks," said Anjali Daimary, a protestor.

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 has capacity to organise attacks. At least six people were killed and 40 wounded in two bomb blasts in Assam last month. (ANI)