Tarun Gogoi rules out safe passage for ULFA leaders

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi today virtually ruled out any offer for safe passage to ULFA leaders who wish to visit their families during the forthcoming Rongali Bihu festival in the state.
    
When asked whether he will renew the offer as he had made on earlier occasions, Gogoi told reporters here that "the issue was not being considered at present".
    
Asked to comment on the wish of jailed ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa to visit his home during the two-day festival starting from April 13, the chief minister said he was not aware of the matter.
    
"If the jailed ULFA leaders wish to go home (during Bihu) we will sympathetically consider their request," Gogoi said.
    
Commenting on the ongoing talks process with the ULFA, Gogoi revealed that the anti-talk faction of the outfit was trying to "derail the process".
    
"The pro-talk faction have responded positively and we are trying to move in that direction," the chief minister said.
    
Gogoi said a general alert have been sounded across the state in view of the ULFA's raising day today.
    
"We are on alert and cannot afford to be complacent. Everyday is a challenge for us," he added.