[Assam] Sly & coward politicians of Assam have no backbone to demand constitutional amendments for Assam Sovereignty, thedemand of ULFA.

[Bartta Bistar]

Ending insurgency tops agendas of political parties in Assam
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*[ **Saturday, March 25, 2006** **10:11:20 am** PTI ]*

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/1463854.cms



GUWAHATI: The end to Assam's 27 year-old insurgency may be still a long way
off, but with the assembly elections, the issue tops the agendas of all
political parties.

The major parties, Congress, Asom Gana Parishad and BJP have made ending the
ULFA insurgency through political discussions a poll plank though the banned
outfit is sceptical of the promises and has decided to maintain equidistance
from all parties in the two-phase elections in the state from April 3.

The Congress has promised that it is committed to bringing about a permanent
and political solution to the issue.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi claimed that it was due to the sincere efforts of
his government, a process of dialogue has begun with the ULFA. Two rounds of
talks have been held between the Centre and the Peoples' Consultative Group
(PCG) formed by the outfit.

''We will make all endeavours to bring the ULFA to the negotiating table
with a view to bring a permanent solution to the problem,'' Gogoi said.

The Congress was also committed to carry forward the process of dialogue
with other extremist groups in the state to resolve their problems in a
pragmatic manner and usher in peace and harmony.

Main opposition party AGP has also promised to resolve the ULFA insurgency
through political negotiations.

''We believe that Army and police operations against the outfit is not the
solution, but it is only discussions in an atmosphere of peace that can end
the problem,'' party President Brindabon Goswami said.

If the AGP forms the government in the state, the party would carry forward
the discussions which have already begun between the Centre and the PCG and
bring it to a fruitful and respectable conclusion, he said.

The BJP has also highlighted the problem of insurgency in its campaign and
promised to end the problem through political discussions and finding a
permanent solution within the framework of the Constitution.

BJP state unit President Indramoni Bora said that the party was also
interested in dialogue with other militant organisations in the state.

Other political parties like the CPI, CPI(M), NCP and the Assam United
Democratic Front (AUDF) have also promised to find a negotiated settlement
to the issue.

The ULFA, however, has warned political parties not to use the outfit's name
for political benefit during the elections.
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