Violence against our ideology: ULFA ''chairman''

New Delhi, Feb 11 (PTI) Singing a new tune, the bannedULFA today said violence was against its ideology and allthese years it indulged in violent acts as "there was athreat" to the state and its people.

Interacting with a group of Assamese students studyingin the national capital, ULFA ''chairman'' Arabinda Rajkhowasaid the existing political setup poses a threat to Assam andits people that led to the formation of the group and its 31years of insurgency movement.

"Even though we indulged in violence, we are forpeace. Violence is against our ideology," he said whilebriefing the students about ULFA and its movement.

Perhaps, this is for the first time the top ULFAleader declared that the group was against violence though hehas been apologising for the violent acts it had committed.

Since its inception in 1979, ULFA has been continuing a bloodyinsurgent movement in the northeast which has claimed severalthousand lives.

Referring to the peace process which began yesterdayformally, Rajkhowa said dialogue with the government could notbe held in the past as there was no conducive atmosphere andboth ULFA and the government was stuck with pre-conditions.

"Following a call by Assam''s civil society, we haveagreed for the unconditional talks. We are now looking forsincere and meaningful talks to find out a just and honourablesolution," he said.

Welcoming the peace initiative, he said government''s"behaviour and attitude are positive".

Rajkhowa also sought to remind the May 25, 2005announcement made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh when he hadsaid that the government was ready to discuss "all coreissues" of ULFA.

"We hope that the government of India will keep itspromise," he said.

He refused to speculate when the solution could befound to ULFA''s demands, saying it was just beginning of thepeace process.