Talks possible without Paresh Barua: Gogoi

Talks possible without Paresh Barua: Gogoi

By our Staff ReporterGUWAHATI, June 25: Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today gave enough hints that peace talks with the ULFA can be carried forward without participation of the outfit’s ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua if majority of leaders of the rebel group come forward for peace talks.Talking to newsmen in Guwahati today, Gogoi said: “When majority of leaders of a group are against the decision of the chief, it is considered as revolt, and the present situation in the ULFA is no different from that.” When asked whether the peace talks with a section of ULFA leaders will yield any results, Gogoi said: “It was followed in Nagaland. When Phizo was against peace talks with the Centre, other leaders of the outfit came forward for talks without the consent of their leader.”“It’s a development in the right direction. It is the outcome of the tireless efforts of the Government, Army, paramilitary forces and other concerned,” Gogoi said on the peace overtures shown by the 28th battalion of the ULFA.When asked about Army operation against the 28th battalion of the outfit, Gogoi said: ”Appropriate action will be taken. If anybody is found to violate ceasefire rules, the Government will be tough against them.” He expressed his hope that other battalions of the outfit will follow suit.On his part, Asom DGP RN Mathur told newsmen that the 28th battalion of the ULFA would have to abide by the four preconditions as set by the Government earlier. “We have asked the security forces to go soft of the 28th battalion of the ULFA. If the militants want to come to designated camps, they should be allowed to do so. The responsibility of security of the 28th battalion is of the Government.” It may be mentioned here that the ‘A’ and ‘C’ companies of the ULFA’s 28th battalion yesterday declared a unilateral ceasefire with the Government with immediate effect without any preconditions to create a conducive atmosphere for peace talks between the Government and the outfit. Source: sentinel assam