Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma appeals to ULFA-I for peace talks

STAFF REPORTER

GUWAHATI: Right from the floor of the State Assembly, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma appealed to ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah on Monday again to sit across the negotiating table for peace.

The Chief Minister said, "It's our responsibility to give the GenNext a peaceful Assam. It's their right. And for this, both the parties will have to strike a happy medium."

The Chief Minister further said, "The release of ONGC employee Ritul Saikia by the ULFA is indeed the initiation of the peace process by the outfit. We need to create an atmosphere conducive to peace talks with an open mind. I believe, if Paresh Baruah comes with a peace offer, the Prime Minister will reciprocate it.

"The Governments did a lot in bringing peace back to the Bodoland through the BTR (Bodoland Territorial Region) Accord to solve various problems. However, we've adopted the policy of zero tolerance for those who want to create problems in the BTR.

"We're trying for peace through development in Karbi Anglong also. Shortly, we're going to sign a peace agreement with the rebels there."

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