GUWAHATI, Dec 21 - �Today I feel that other than armed movement, we have multiple ways to work for our people. I also realised that an armed movement is not the solution for mass uplift. So, I appeal to all my co-members of ULFA (I) to join the mainstream so that we can work together for development of our people,� said former deputy commander-in-chief of ULFA (I) Drishti Rajkhowa during a conversation with the media after handing over his arms to Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal at a function held at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra here today.
Rajkhowa asserted that discussion or dialogue is the only way to find a solution to any issue.
�Discussion will be the only way to find a solution to the demands of ULFA (I), especially the demand for an independent Assam. But to expedite the peace talks, there is a need for a positive response from both the government and ULFA (I) leadership,� Rajkhowa stated.
Meanwhile, the former militant leader also said that he was not eligible to say whether Paresh Barua would join the mainstream or not, as in the organisational hierarchy he was subordinate to Barua. He also admitted that he was unaware about the whereabouts of Barua.
�Paresh Barua was like my father. He always treated all of us very well. He was very caring. Even before my surrender, I contacted him and asked for his advice,� he said.
He said he had taken the decision to surrender before the government due to some reasons arising out of the prevailing situation. �I was in a juncture between life and death. Finally I surrendered to save my life. First I discussed with other cadres of the organisation who were with me at that time. I told them that there was no way to escape or to come back to the camp. Then I communicated with our commander-in-chief and sought his advice. He advised me to take my own decision. He also told me to try my best to return,� Rajkhowa added.