Rights groups seek release of facilitator of Ulfa talks

By OUR SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

Guwahati, May 19: Human rights organisations on Monday demanded the immediate release of rights activist and facilitator of the peace-talks with Ulfa Lachit Bordoloi, who has been held under the National Security Act for his alleged nexus with the banned outfit. The state-based human rights body Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS), of which Mr Bordoloi is a frontline leader, and Delhi-based People’s Union for Democratic Rights leaders addressed a joint press conference here on Monday, condemning the arrest of Mr Bordoloi and accused that the government had thereby further jeopardised the prevailing stalemate in the peace negotiations with the Ulfa.

Ms Deepika Tandon of the PUDR told reporters: "The government’s very intentions of bringing the Ulfa to the negotiation table is questionable, with its (government) activities being contrary to its claims of wanting talks with the outfit." She alleged that Mr Bordoloi was framed under the NSA after the police failed to get a non-bailable warrant against him on the basis of the original charges brought against him.

MASS chairman Bubumani Goswami, raised doubt over the intention of the government in holding talks with Ulfa and pleaded that the government should come forward for unconditional talks. He also alleged that the government had not displayed sincerity in the peace talks and retracted from its stand on several issues whenever the Ulfa had shown signs of coming to the negotiation table.

Mr Bordoloi who was also the member of the Ulfa appointed Peoples Consultative Group is languishing in jail for last couple of months on charges of abetting the separatist activities of the outlawed Ulfa rebels besides hobnobbing with them.

Mr Bordoloi was also instrumental in formation of PCG which was welcomed by the ruling Congress government just before the Assembly elections in Assam.