Government to discuss 'all issues' with ULFA: PM
http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-Government+discuss+all+issues-status-21-newsID-70073.html
Publish Date : 10/27/2005 10:26:00 AM Source : National News Onlypunjab.com
http://onlypunjab.com/fullstory2k5-insight-Government+discuss+all+issues-status-21-newsID-70073.html
Publish Date : 10/27/2005 10:26:00 AM Source : National News Onlypunjab.com
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh Wednesday said his government was ready to discuss "all issues" with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) even as negotiators nominated by the rebel group listed various demands, including the release of jailed leaders.
In his meeting here with the 11-member People's Consultative Group (PCG) representing ULFA, Manmohan Singh called for an end to violence in Assam but indicated that the rebel group's grievances would have to be resolved within the ambit of the constitution.
In his meeting here with the 11-member People's Consultative Group (PCG) representing ULFA, Manmohan Singh called for an end to violence in Assam but indicated that the rebel group's grievances would have to be resolved within the ambit of the constitution.
"I am willing to listen to whatever concerns that you may raise," the prime minister told the PCG.
Sanjaya Baru, media advisor to the prime minister, refused to comment when asked if ULFA's core demand of sovereignty for Assam had figured in the talks, but quoted Manmohan Singh as saying: "I am a servant of our constitution. You must recognise the limitations of a complex polity."
Members of the PCG, which comprises intellectuals, journalists and other professionals, told reporters they had discussed ULFA's demands, including sovereignty for Assam, release of six jailed ULFA leaders and suspension of military operations against the group.
Wednesday's parleys marked the first formal contact in over a decade between the government and ULFA, which has been fighting since 1979 for the creation of an independent homeland in Assam.
PCG spokesman and senior Gauhati High Court lawyer Arup Borbora said the group was hopeful that "things would proceed in the right direction to facilitate lasting and permanent peace in Assam".
Describing the talks as congenial, Borbora said: "The long-standing conflict (in Assam) must be resolved through political negotiations and dialogue."
The PCG will hold another round of talks with senior home ministry officials next month.
On Wednesday, the PCG first held talks with National Security Advisor M.K. Narayanan, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and other top officials. They were later joined by Manmohan Singh.
The PCG was named by ULFA last month to create the grounds and frame modalities for direct talks and a possible ceasefire between the rebel group and the government.
PCG member and rights activist Dilip Patgiri told IANS: "We told the prime minister that after the PCG was formed last month, ULFA had not carried out any violent attacks.
"We wanted the government to reciprocate the gesture by asking security forces to show restraint to create trust between the two sides."
The talks have generated tremendous hope and optimism in Assam.
Milika Baruah, the octogenarian mother of ULFA's self-styled commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah, said: "I sincerely hope there is some positive forward movement so that the ULFA could come for talks and solve the issue peacefully."
The ULFA military chief has not visited his home since he and five others formed the outfit 27 years ago.
In 1992, a group of five senior ULFA leaders were freed from jail and taken to New Delhi for initiating talks with then prime minister P.V. Narasimha Rao. The leaders went underground after holding one round of talks.
The ULFA is one of the most organised rebel outfits in the northeast where more than 30 militant groups operate with demands ranging from independence to greater autonomy.
At least 15,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam since 1979.
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