ULFA 'condemns' Assam twin blasts

The United Liberation Front of Assam on Monday claimed it was not involved in Sunday's twin blasts in Nalbari, which claimed seven lives, and said it was carried out by forces that 'want to derail the peace process'.

In a statement e-mailed to the media, ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa said, "We condemn Sunday's blast in which innocent indigenous Assamese people were killed and such an act can be carried out only by enemies of Assam.

"The blast is a part of a greater conspiracy and it was definitely carried out by forces who want to derail the peace process initiated by the ULFA," he said.

Over 54 people were also injured in the blasts in the lower Assam district.

"We believe that killing of indigenous Assamese people cannot ensure the development of the state and we warn that such inhuman acts are stopped immediately," Rajkhowa said.

He appealed to the people to "foil such attempts by forces, who are not interest in the well-being of the people and development of Assam".

Meanwhile, the ULFA appointed Peoples' Consultative Group member Mukul Mahanta claimed Rajkhowa had called him up and informed that an important announcement regarding talks with the Centre would be announced soon, with the PCG likely to play a prominent role in the process.