What ULFA wants? Rebel chief talks

New Delhi: Categorically denying possibility of any negotiations with the Central Government, ULFA has wanted a plebiscite under international supervision on Assam's sovereignty.

As quoted by PTI, "commander-in-chief" of the rebel group Paresh Barua said in the latest edition of the banned group's mouthpiece Freedom that the ULFA wanted a "plebiscite and not a referendum under international supervision".

"The only pre-condition that we hold now is (that the) restoration of Assam's sovereignty should be on the agenda for talks specifically. We will not negotiate on the issue of Assam's sovereign independence," he said.

Referring to the withdrawal of the ULFA's call to boycott of the National Games hosted by Assam, Barua said, "A section is misleading the people of the state, saying that the gesture indicated ULFA's weakness".

Just four days before the commencement of the 33rd Guwahati National Games in Guwahati, ULFA withdrew its call for a boycott of the Games.

The Assam Olympic Association and the state government had appealed to the rebel group to reconsider its boycott and create a conducive atmosphere for sport in the greater interest of the state.

"This section failed to appreciate our goodwill gesture and also did not raise their voice against anti-ULFA operations by occupational forces," he alleged.