Assam government expects written offer for talks from ULFA

KOLKATA - Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Friday said his government was expecting a written offer for talks from the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

“We are expecting something in writing from ULFA,” Gogoi told mediapersons here, when asked to clarify his statement earlier this month that “positive indirect signals” for talks have been received from the outfit.

The chief minister said many ULFA militants were surrendering in the state, which has seen good economic development. “The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is now at eight percent. Many of the ultras are surrendering because employment opportunities are being generated.”

Asked whether his government wanted absconding ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Barua to come to the discussion table, Gogoi replied: “We want all sections to be present if any talks take place. But if necessary, the state will talk without Paresh Barua.”

Talking on the sidelines of a seminar by an industry body, Gogoi said no formula has yet been chalked out for the talks. “But a formula will definitely emerge as soon as they (ULFA) come for talks.”