NEW DELHI: The Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) members of parliament have asked the Indian government to immediately withdraw the army from Assam, and to initiate a dialogue with the militant organization, ULFA, to find a political solution in the state, In a letter to prime minister PV Narasimha Rao, the AGP members complained of a “reign of terror” let loose by the army.
They have killed a few innocent persons, injured hundreds of men, gang-raped teenaged girls and murdered, robbed off money and jewelry and have been raiding the houses of even MPs, speaker, MLAs, advocates”, the AGP MP’s said.
Saying that the ULFA militants appeared to be willing for direct talks with the central government, the AGP pleaded with the prime minister that the “government should not be hesitant at all and make all possible efforts” to get them to the negotiating table to find a solution.
The ULFA, a banned under- ground outfit have been fighting for the independence of Assam. An army offensive codenamed “operation Rhino” launched last summer has been blamed for in- credible atrocities against the people.
The ULFA wants that the topic of Assam’s independence should be on the agenda for any talks with the federal government – a demand both the center and the Stale government reject outright.
Article extracted from this publication >> December 20, 1991
