ULFA shocked by arrest of Pradip Gogoi; demands his immediate release

GUWAHATI: The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) has expressed dismay over the arrest of its vice president Pradip Gogoi and demanded his immediate release.

Gogoi was arrested yesterday along with two others on charges of allegedly conspiring to assassinate Assam health and finance minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and have been sent to three-day police custody.

The ULFA today issued a press statement expressing shock and dismay over the arrest when the outfit was in peace talks with the Centre. It also said the outfit was shocked by the media news that claimed Gogoi was hatching an assassination conspiracy with Manabendra Pathak, brother of a BJP leader of Karbi Anglong during a telephonic conversation on Monday night.

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Condemning Gogoi’s arrest, the ULFA said the arrest of Gogoi, who has persistently been engaging in talks with the government since 2010 to restore peace in the state, might bring in an adverse affect on the peace process. The ULFA said keeping in view Gogoi’s commitment towards the peace process, it was unwarranted that he has been arrested without any discussion.