ULFA says no unilateral ceasefire, will exercise restraint

GUWAHATI: The ULFA denied it had declared a unilateral ceasefire and said it would exercise "restraint" in response to the Centre's suspension of security operations against its cadres.

ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa has denied media reports that his organisation had declared a unilateral ceasefire.

Rajkhowa clarified, "We will exercise restraint in response to the government's announcement to suspend operation and we will try our best to maintain our restraint."

He also urged all concerned "not to create confusion by quoting statements not made by the ULFA on serious issues concerning the people".

In an e-mail message to the media in Guwahati yesterday, Rajkhowa had said the ULFA "respected the Centre's decision to suspend army operations and as a reciprocal gesture has announced cessation of hostilities".

The Centre had on Sunday temporarily suspended army operations against the ULFA in Assam, apparently to pave the way for the direct talks.

Rajkhowa hoped the ULFA's decision would bring about a atmosphere conducive to talks with the government. He said the group's decision to stop hostilities was in line with the demands of the people of Assam.