The Hindu : National : Unconditional talks ruled out, says ULFA

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National

National

Unconditional talks ruled out, says ULFA

Sushanta Talukdar

"We never pleaded for plebiscite"

Guwahati: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Thursday ruled out "unconditional talks" with the government, saying its cadres now reached the stage of striking with bombs tied on their person.

The militant outfit was reacting to Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi's remark turning down the plea for holding talks with it on "sovereignty" or a plebiscite on the issue. The demand was raised at a recent conclave organised by the People's Committee for Peace Initiative (PCPI).

In a statement, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said the outfit never pleaded with the Chief Minister for a plebiscite. Mr. Gogoi was only sent a copy of the memorandum, addressed to the President by wives of missing ULFA leaders who were on fast.

"The Chief Minister has said that he has rejected the demand for plebiscite as if he is the President of India."

Hits out at parties

The ULFA leader also flayed the political parties, which, he said, called for unconditional talks at the PCPI conclave. "Those clamouring for freedom have now reached the stage of striking with bombs tied around their bodies. Wives who have lost husbands have resorted to the extreme form of democratic protest, fast-unto-death. At this stage, not to speak of ULFA, it is not possible for the leadership of the struggle, in which 10,000 lives have been sacrificed, or any patriot to sit for unconditional talks which would not lead to solution."

Warning

Mr Rajkhowa warned that the situation would turn violent if the issues of identity of nationality and birthrights were made light of by mocking at them through the media.

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