‘Let ULFA talk first, can give up arms later’

Goswami quoted the PMO as saying they were willing to adopt the PWG model for talks with the ULFA: The insurgents could first come for a dialogue and discussions on giving up arms could follow. The Andhra Pradesh government had initiated talks with the PWG even though it had not given up arms.

When The Indian Express checked with the PMO, an official said they had no comment to make on whatever Goswami had said.

On her part, Goswami said she had clarified the issue of giving up arms with the PMO. ‘‘I was told that all this can be a matter of discussion. First, the group should come for talks. The arms question can be taken up later,’’ she said. Goswami had met the PM last month and given a memorandum, saying the ULFA wanted to come to the negotiating table and discuss, among other things, the core issue — sovereignty.

‘‘The fact that the PMO has written, welcoming the boys to the dialogue table, is an important move and indicates the Government is also willing to discuss the core demand,’’ Goswami told Express. Was the core demand sovereignty? ‘‘Let’s not use the word sovereignty, but yes that was ULFA’s core demand,’’ she said.

Goswami, who received the PMO’s letter on Sunday, said she spoke to ULFA chief Paresh Baruah this morning and conveyed the Government’s stand. ‘‘I told him the PM has said they have to shun violence and give up arms. He said he will talk to his cadre and get back to me. I have used the PM’s reply as the basis to invite the militants. Once he gets back to me, the modalities can be finalised. It may take some time or it may happen soon,’’ she said. ‘‘Thousands of boys have lost their lives in Assam and the PM is concerned.’’