GUWAHATI, Dec 31 � The banned United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) today rejected Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi�s proposal of safe passage to militant organizations in the State during the ensuing Bhogali Bihu celebrations as an initiative to start the peace talks.
�Safe passage is offered to thieves and dacoits. Dacoits of Chambal accept safe passage offer, not freedom fighters,� an e-mail signed by self-styled �second lieutenant� Arunodoi Duhotia stated.
It needs mention here that after the bail of almost all important jailed ULFA leaders, including �chairman� Arabinda Rajkhowa, the State Government had hinted at offering safe passage to the ULFA cadres to boost the proposed peace talks.
Duhotia said the ULFA will never accept a proposal for safe passage as that will tarnish the image of the outfit or make the sacrifices of the �martyrs� look little.
�We also want to celebrate Bihu with our near and dear ones. But we will never let our personal pleasures come in the way of our freedom struggle. Moreover, we do not need Chief Minister�s permission to celebrate the occasion,� the ULFA leader added.
�The ULFA may have suffered some setbacks due to enemy�s attacks, conspiracies and betrayal by some cadres; but these cannot dissuade us from our path. Temptations like safe passage cannot dissuade us from our goal,� the email said.
