An Appeal for Sanity

The following statement was issued on January 12 by concerned citizens of Assam about the enormous scale of violence in the state and its consequences for the future.

The people of Assam have been appalled by the massacre of innocents by the extremist organisation, ULFA. From time to time they have been moved by the sacrifices and sufferings of the young men and women who have chosen the path of violence, though they do not approve of such violence. The aims of ULFA remain vague and indefinite. Hence most people agree that there should be talks to sort things out. They are sick and tired of the endless cycle of violence and counter-violence. No serious work of lasting worth and no development seems possible under such conditions. A military solution may have unacceptable costs.