ULFA denies rift in top leadership

ULFA's self-styled commander-in-chief Paresh Barua on Saturday denied any split in the outfit and said there was no confusion in the minds of the ULFA cadres who want "sovereignty" for Assam to be discussed in any dialogue.

"We are ready for it (talks) provided sovereignty for Assam is discussed," Barua, who is known to be against talks, was quoted as saying in an e-mail to North East Television, adding there was no confusion in the minds of the ULFA cadres on this.

"There is no split," he said and asserted "we have full confidence in chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa."

He said "the question of difference of opinion does not arise and now it is up to the Indian government to show their sincerity by taking the process forward."

The ULFA leader said Rajkhowa and ULFA military deputy-in-chief Raju Barua had not surrendered, but were arrested as part of a "conspiracy" hatched by the government.