ULFA, govt resolve to stay away from violence: Gogoi

Guwahati, June 10: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today (June 10) said that though there was no official declaration of ceasefire with the banned ULFA, the government and the militant outfit have decided to use restraint and refrain from violence when the peace talks have been continuing.

"There is no official declaration of ceasefire, but the government and ULFA led by pro-talk chief Arabindo Rajkhowa have decided to refrain from violence," Gogoi said in his first press conference after assuming office for the third consecutive term.

He said efforts have been on to bring ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, known for his anti-talks stance, into the discussion table.

Stating that the ULFA leaders have been in touch with Centre's interlocutor P C Haldar and the state government was not "very much aware of the details", the chief minister said the talks have been going on in a "positive direction".

On the recent statement by a senior Congress MLA Abdul Muhib Majumdar that the historic Assam Accord needed a "reorientation", Gogoi said it was the MLA''s personal view but his government was committed to implement the accord.

"We are talking to ULFA, NDFB and various other insurgent groups. It may require to sign an accord with them to fulfil their demands," he said.

The chief minister also asserted that while peace talks will be on, offensive against the anti-talk factions of ULFA, NDFB and other insurgent groups would continue.

PTI