Date:02/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2005/01/02/stories/2005010201800700.htm

National - Assam

Litterateur meets ULFA leaders in jail

By Sushanta Talukdar

GUWAHATI, JAN. 1. The noted litterateur, Dr. Indira Goswami (Mamoni Raisom Goswami), today met three senior leaders of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) in Guwahati jail and discussed with them her efforts to initiate a dialogue between the Centre and the militant outfit.

Dr. Goswami met thevice-chairman of the outfit, Pradip Gogoi, the political adviser, Bhimkanta Buragohain and the central publicity secretary, Mithinga Daimari and apprised them of her efforts.

The Gnanpith award-winning litterateur was accompanied by a senior advocate of the Guwahati High Court, Nekibur Zaman. Dr. Goswami had obtained prior permission from the Designated Court at Guwahati for meeting the three jailed ULFA leaders.

Sources said that the ULFA leaders lauded Dr. Goswami for her efforts at negotiating peace between the rebel group and the Centre, and encouraged her to carry on with her mission. Dr. Goswami reportedly told the ULFA leaders that she was awaiting the response of her second letter to the Prime Minister, Manmohan Singh, requesting him to initiate a dialogue with the ULFA. The discussion lasted about one and half hours.

The Assam Chief Minister, Tarun Gogoi, today said he was hopeful that the ULFA would follow the example of National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) and come forward for negotiations .