GUWAHATE: The separatist United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has laid down its terms for discussing its problems with the Indian government.
In a letter to Assam governor D D Thakur the ULFA “central publicity secretary” Siddhartha Phukan said a conducive situation could be brought about by immediate withdrawal of president’s rule from the state to be followed by a “cease fire” and withdrawal of all “black laws”.
Discontinuation of “armed activities and suspension of hostilities by both sides would also help improve the situation” he said.
Copies of the letter was released to the press Feb 2.
The letter revealing the organization’s desire for the first time to hold negotiations said “we appreciate your efforts towards finding negotiated solutions and we would like to reiterate that we reciprocate your intentions”.
“Discussions on principal issues raised by us could be started during the state of cease fire and we assure that any constructive steps towards a peaceful solution to the problems of Assam would be positively responded to by us. We shall await your response” the letter said.
The letter said the present situation was not conducive to negotiations as human rights were trampled upon by the army
Article extracted from this publication >> February 8, 1991
