Gogoi urges anti-talks ULFA to come forward for dialogue

As Assam celebrated Rongali Bihu (spring festival) Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi took the opportunity to make a renewed appeal to armed insurgents groups still at large to come forward for dialogue with the government.

Gogoi's call is basically aimed at the United Liberation Front of Asom and other militants groups to give up arms and come forward to resolve their problems.  He said on the occasion of Rongali Bihu that the people of Assam were aspiring for an atmosphere of peace, overall development and prosperity. "Those militants who are still holding on to their guns should respect the wishes of the people and come over for dialogue," Gogoi said.

The anti-talks faction of the ULFA led by fugitive 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Barua has remained elusive despite all the efforts by the government to talk peace. The ULFA faction, which has set up its base in Myanmar, is trying to regroup with other insurgent groups like the NSCN-K.   

Though one faction of the ULFA comprising all the senior leaders led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has entered into a truce and has been holding dialogue with the Government of India, the permanent solution to the problem will not be possible without Barua's participation. 

Barua maintains that any talks with the government revolve around the outfit's 'demand for sovereignty of Assam'.
Indian security agencies believe that there is a remote possibility of Barua being prepared for a dialogue, as he is hand in glove with Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligent.