'Aghast' Assam CM slams TOI’s fake news on peace talks with ULFA, says 'India sovereignty is non-negotiable'
This statement came as Sarma shared the photograph of a news report published in the Times of India, saying that he is "aghast" to see such statements about ULFA by such reputed news media.
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Guwahati, Nov 18: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has slammed the report of Times of India that stated that the Assam government is ready to hold talks with ULFA (I) terrorists and discuss their core issues including demand for sovereignty.
This statement came as Sarma shared the photograph of a news report published in the Times of India, saying that he is "aghast" to see such statements by such reputed news media. He said, "I am aghast to see this news in Times of India. No Chief Minister can discuss the Sovereignty of India with anyone. This is non-negotiable. We all Indians, irrespective of our positions, are here to protect the sovereignty of India. I strongly refute the news report. This is FALSE."
The TOI report stated Assam CM has stated on Wednesday that ULFA (I)’s core demand of sovereignty has to be addressed along the way. The report further went on to add that since the establishment of ULFA in 1979, "no CM had ever come close to acknowledging the core demand of sovereignty for a dialogue". It added that former PM Manmohan Singh had once stated that the centre was ready to discuss ‘core issues’.
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The report further stated that Sarma immediately after taking over as CM, said one needed a “fresh approach” to crack the hurdle. “An equilibrium has to be created between the perimeters of the Constitution and the outfit’s demand for sovereignty. I think their core issue will have to be discussed at some point in time."
