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Assam rebels must reciprocate gov't decision to halt military offensives

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Guwahati, India, Aug 14, IRNA
India-Northeast-Military Operations
India's decision to halt military operations against a powerful separatist group in the revolt-racked northeastern state of Assam is seen as a step towards ending nearly three decades of violent insurgency in the region, officials Monday said.

New Delhi late Sunday suspended anti-insurgency operations against the main rebel group in Assam, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), for 10 days despite a week-long wave of bombings that has left 10 dead and wounded 50 more.

"Now it is time for the ULFA to reciprocate positively and come for direct talks with the authorities", Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said.

The ULFA, a rebel group fighting for an independent Assamese homeland since 1979, is engaged in talks with New Delhi through intermediaries -- collectively called the People Consultative Group (PCG) -- comprising of civil society leaders.

The 11 intermediaries were chosen by the ULFA last October to begin exploratory talks with New Delhi.

"We heartily welcome New Delhi's decision to suspend military offensives and now the ULFA should sort out any differences and come for face-to-face talks.

"Enough is enough," Dilip Patgiri, a PCG member, said.

The PCG has held three rounds of talks aimed at paving the way for direct dialogue between New Delhi and the ULFA leadership. The first round was chaired by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 26, 2005.

The last round, held in New Delhi on June 22, was led by Home Minister Shivraj Patil.

In that round of discussions, both sides had called for restraint with New Delhi promising to set free five top jailed ULFA leaders to facilitate direct talks.

But since the June 22 talks, New Delhi faltered on the commitments and instead stepped up its anti-insurgency operations against the ULFA killing at least 16 rebels and captured half-a-dozen militants.

The ULFA warned the government saying New Delhi was going back on its promise for restraint and also took no steps to release the jailed leaders.

And with contradictory statements being made by both the Assam government and New Delhi regarding direct talks and the question of releasing the imprisoned leaders, ULFA's patience withered and they began a massive counter-attack last week.

Despite a heavy security blanket, ULFA bombers managed to wreak havoc hurling grenades and triggering blasts at ease putting the state authorities to shame.

"We want an end to all forms of bloodshed and hope this positive gesture by New Delhi sets the ball rolling for a permanent settlement to the three decades of insurgency in Assam," Indira Goswami, a noted Assamese writer and sought by the ULFA to mediate for peace talks, said.

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