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Talks not possible with leaders in jail

By Staff reporter

GUWAHATI, May 29 � Release of the jailed leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will hold the key to carrying forward the peace process. This was the view expressed by ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and other central committee leaders of the outfit when PCG member Hiranya Saikia met them in Guwahati jail today.

Talking to this correspondent after meeting the ULFA leaders in jail, Saikia said that during his discussion, the ULFA chairman made it clear that only the central committee of the outfit can take decisions regarding talks with the Government. The ULFA leaders including Rajkhowa made it clear that only the release of the central committee leaders of the outfit would facilitate the policy making body of the ULFA to take vital decisions. He also made it clear that the ULFA central committee did not meet in the jail as was, reported as it is not possible to do so in jail, Saikia added.

Saikia said that during the course of the talks, the ULFA leaders further clarified that presence of the general secretary Anup Chetia and armed wing chief Paresh Baruah was vital for holding of the central committee meeting. The Government of India should try to bring Anup Chetia as soon as possible from Bangladesh, he added. In addition to Arabinda Rajkhowa, the other jailed leaders of the ULFA including foreign secretary Sasha Choudhury, finance secretary Chitraban Hazarika, deputy commander in chief Raju Baruah and adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain were present during the discussion.

Meanwhile, the PCG member said that the Government should not try to create division in the ranks of the ULFA. He said that by announcing that the Government was ready for talks without Paresh Baruah, the Government only tried to create a division in the ranks of the outfit and yesterday, the ULFA publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary also made it clear that they were not keen on talks leaving aside the ULFA commander in chief.

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