NEW DELHI, Dec 15 ? Alarmed by the sudden spurt in violence, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has asked security forces in Assam to step up operations against ULFA in the State, sources said. The renewed violence in Assam has not perturbed the Centre, as officials here feel that it is part of ULFA?s psychological operation. ULFA is trying to convey to the Assamese people they are very sincere about talking to the Government of India. But it does not want to talk, probably under pressure of some agency, sources said.
ULFA does not appear to be sincere to the peace process, is the conclusion drawn at the MHA. ULFA has lost public sympathy. People in Assam want peace and have criticised ULFA openly. ULFA is indulging in mindless violence and killing to assert their presence. While the Government stands for dialogue to restore peace and normalcy and to ensure that the misguided youth lead a normal life in a dignified manner, Government would not hesitate to deal with ULFA activities with a firm hand.
Yesterday, in reply to the discussion on internal security Union Home Minister, Shivraj Patil said that though the Government of India was ready for dialogue, it has not lowered its guard and keeping up vigil.
Today the MHA directed Assam Government to step up vigil and central forces have been directed to mount fresh operations against ULFA, officials here said. The MHA today claimed that ULFA has since 1996 killed 899 persons including security personnel in Assam till November. The outfit has during the same period kidnapped 240 persons in the State.
Meanwhile, sources said that the stalemate with NDFB seems to have been broken and some forward movement has taken place in that direction. The Assam Government has again been asked to invite the NDFB for talks and a Central team would be on its way to hold talks, sources said. In the federal set up the State Governments cannot be ignored and they have to be involved in the talk process, sources said.
The MHA is starting a crucial round of dialogue with Nayan Bashi faction of the National Liberation Front of Tripura on Friday for extension of ceasefire that expires on December 31.