Guwahati: ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has said that the banned outfit is always ready for negotiations but it is for the Government's actions that they are unable to come forward for talks.

''ULFA has always been keen on resolving all issues through talks. It is only as a reaction to the armed action of the Government that the ULFA was forced to take up arms,'' Rajkhowa said in a brief statement e-mailed to the local media yesterday (Mar 22, 2004).

He also welcomed the Human Rights group Manab Adhikar Sangram Samity (MASS)'s recent proposal to hold a referendum on the status of Assam.

''The people of Assam have been participating in successive elections in the hope of getting a better deal only to see their dreams being dashed. Instead of participating in such futile exercises, the people should participate in a referendum to decide on the State's status,'' he added.