Guwahati : Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has turned down the plea for holding talks with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on "sovereignty" or a plebiscite on the issue. The demand was raised by a recent conclave organised by the People's Committee for Peace Initiative.

Mr. Gogoi, however, said on Tuesday the Centre was ready to hold unconditional talks with the ULFA. There was no point discussing the sovereignty issue as no Government could concede such a demand. There was no need for a plebiscite as elections were being held in the State and the people were taking part.

Mr Gogoi said the Centre too did not have any information on their whereabouts.

Ministers' plea

A three-member ministerial delegation deputed by the Assam Chief Minister met the protesting women on Tuesday and appealed to them to call off the fast.

Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bharat Narah told the State Assembly that Revenue Minister Bhumidhar Barman, Education Minister Ripun Bora and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma held talks with the women for over half an hour.

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