Date:25/09/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/09/25/stories/2006092514950100.htm

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Operations against ULFA to resume

Special Correspondent

Centre to make efforts to pursue peace process

ULFA cadres blamed for a recent spurt of violence
Group failed to produce written commitment about engaging in direct talks

Army preparing to launch operations against ULFA strongholds

NEW DELHI: The Centre on Sunday called off the ceasefire with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), citing continued violence and extortions by its cadre.

Announcing the resumption of operations, the Centre said the efforts to pursue the peace process would, however, continue.

"Operations [against ULFA] had been suspended some time back because of the possibility of direct talks with ULFA towards the peace process. However, efforts by the Government to pursue the peace process will continue."

The ceasefire was announced on August 13 and was subsequently extended several times. The ULFA had initially responded positively to the peace overtures, but recent weeks have seen a spurt in violence.

On Saturday, ULFA cadres shot dead a tea garden manager in Tinsukia district. The ULFA had also failed to producea written commitment about engaging in direct talks.

A PTI report quoted Indira Goswami, noted writer and a key mediator in the talks, as saying she had been informed by National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan that the peace process would continue.