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ULFA(I) C-in-C denies desertions of cadres

By Staff Reporter

GUWAHATI, May 9 - United Liberation Front of Asom (Independent) commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah asserted that no large scale desertions of members of the outfit took place after the operation by the Myanmar Army and said that a few surrenders would not affect the outfit.

Talking to The Assam Tribune over phone, Baruah admitted that members of the ULFA(I) and other rebel groups were forced to move out of the Taga area of Myanmar following operations by Myanmar Army. But at the same time, he said that they could stay in other parts of Myanmar because of the historical relations between the people of Assam and �Naga brothers�.

Baruah said that the Government of India launched �money diplomacy� and provided huge amounts of money to Myanmar hoping to finish off the ULFA(I) and other rebel groups. He said that the efforts of the Government failed as the rebel groups could not be finished off even after spending billions of dollars. He said that survival of cadres in Myanmar would not be a problem and admitted that the Naga villagers are also helping them out.

�It is a fact that a handful of our members surrendered, and it will not affect the outfit. In the past also, some members of the ULFA surrendered but that did not finish us off. If the Government has any proof of a large number of members contacting any security agency expressing desire to surrender, such conversations should be made public,� Baruah said.

The ULFA(I) leader further said that they were only �guests of the Naga brothers in Myanmar and our fight is not against Myanmar. That is why we did not fight back when Myanmar Army launched the operation.�

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