Date:06/02/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/02/06/stories/2007020608050100.htm

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National Games: ULFA withdraws boycott call

Special Correspondent

IMPHAL: The United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) on Monday withdrew its call for boycott of the 33rd National Games beginning in Guwahati on February 9.

In statement issued through e-mail, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said the decision was taken on appeals made by eminent sports personalities and sports lovers of Assam.

"Assam's prides [Arjuna awardees] Bhogeswar Barua, Monalisa Barua, Taibunnissa, Babul Barua, Gilbertson Sangma along with other sports lovers appealed us to lift our boycott call," Mr. Rajkhowa said.

"As these sportspersons are unblemished and not connected with any occupational forces or involved in colonial domination activities in Assam, we have respected their appeal," he said.

He, however, warned that after the Games no such events organised by the Government would be allowed until the "conflict" with the Central Government was resolved politically.

The boycott call and stepped-up violence in the run-up to the games raised a spectre of bloodshed and security concerns for hundreds of sportspersons who are to assemble in the Assam capital.