GUWAHATI: The Army will resume operations against militants in Assam, State Chief Minister Hiteswar Saikia said here.
Admitting that the secessionist ULFA had been trying to regroup, the Chief Minister said that he had already ordered the armed forces to launch a vigorous operation against the ultras. The Chief Secretary of Assam met senior army officials and conveyed the Government’s decision to deal firmly with the anti-talk faction of the militants, said Saikia.
He said that the pro-talk faction of the militant outfit had met him on Sept.8. They were busy working on a charter of demands which they intended to present to the authorities for consideration. The Chief Minister said that talks with the pro-talk group would take place shortly.
Saikia also emphasized the need for strong action to curl Bodo militancy. The Bodo Security Force of late has been involved in several cases of violence. According to the Chief Minister the army this time would go out to flush out the Bodo ultras.
However, Saikia said his negotiations with the leadership over the demands Bodo land had reached a dead end.
I have done my level best for them, including specifying that Villages for a separate administrative structure for the Bodos said a pensive Saikia. Bodo leadership, adamant demand for including villages even with a small Bodo population in Bodoland, is dissatisfied with the efforts of Saikia to strike a settlement and leaders have camped in Delhi.
Article extracted from this publication >> September 25, 1992
