Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, February 13:
Against the backdrop of custodial death of a person and killing of eight others in police firing in Assam, the ULFA-selected Peoples Consultative Group for peace talks today told the government to stop army operations immediately as otherwise it might adversely affect the ongoing peace process.
"Today I spoke to National Security Advisor MK Narayanan and requested him to stop the Army operation, which has been continuing in Assam, immediately," Assamese writer Indira Goswami, who has been mediating between the Centre and insurgent group ULFA told PTI here.
"If the Army operation continues, it may have a bad affect on the ongoing peace process initiated by the PCG," Goswami, a member of the group, said.
Asked whether the PCG would withdraw from the ongoing peace process if Army operation continues, the Jnanpith award winning writer said "we have to sit and assess the situation and take an appropriate decision".
However, PCG group leader Mukul Mahanta and spokesman Arup Borbora had said in a statement in Guwahati on Saturday that "the PCG cautions the state and central governments to immediately stop army operations in the state.
Or else the PCG will be compelled to withdraw itself from the ongoing discussions with the government".
Ajit Mahanta, a resident of Kakopathar in Tinsukia district, was picked up by the army on February 5 on suspicion of being an ULFA linkman.
His body was recovered from a gunny bag in Assam Medical College Dibrugarh the next day.
The army had said Mahanta died when he was trying to escape from their custody.
Eight people were killed and several others injured as police opened fire on a mob who were protesting Mahanta's killing.
A CRPF jawan was stoned to death by the angry protestors.
Goswami said that on February 7 meeting between the Centre and the PCG it was agreed to maintain peace by both the side but the recent incidents may threaten to disrupt the whole process.
"The NSA assured me to take proper action soon and stressed the need for restraint by both the sides," she said.