ULFA (I) not interested in ‘so-called’ dialogue with govt

Guwahati: The faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) or ULFA (Independent) led by fugitive ‘commander-in-chief’ Paresh Barua on Thursday reiterated that it was not at all interested in so-called peace-talks with the Government and vowed to continue with its revolution till it achieved its avowed goal of restoration of sovereignty of Assam.
In a statement e-mailed to the media, the outfit said it did not resort to the armed revolution only to engage in ‘so-called’ peace-talks with the Government but to liberate Assam from the clutches of ‘colonial Indian rulers’.
The ULFA (I) statement came in reaction to a comment made by the Director General of Assam Police, Khagen Sharma on Wednesday. The DGP stated that doors had been closed for ULFA (I) and its leader Paresh Barua for holding any dialogue.
Provoked by the DGP’s statement, the outfit on Thursday termed the comment of the DGP ‘childish’ and stated that ‘so-called’ negotiation with the government is not the goal of the armed struggle of the ULFA (I) that strived for restoration of ‘sovereignty of Assam’ on the basis of historical facts.
“Our leader Paresh Barua has not kept the revolution going just to become a part of the business of surrender and dialogue indulged in by the DGP Khagen Sharma under the patronage of Government of India.
The DGP should remember that it was for the restoration of sovereignty of Assam over 15000 sons of soil in Assam had sacrificed their life, not for holding negotiation with the government. We are committed to achieve our avowed goal so that we can adequately reciprocate the sacrifices of these brave sons of Assam,” the ULFA (I) statement said.
Another faction of the ULFA led by Arabinda Rajkhowa is engaged in peace talks with the Government of India for over two years now.