Guwahati: ULFA (United Liberation front of Assam) Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua has said that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's statements made during his two-day visit to Assam was nothing new and indicates that the Government is not ready to talk on the issue of sovereignty.

A caller identifying himself as Barua told a local daily last night (Nov 22, 2004) that Singh's statement, which said Assam is an integral part of India, clearly indicates that the Government is not ready to talk on sovereignty.

''The comments made by the Prime Minister was not unexpected and not different from that made by his predecessors. It is evident the Centre's colonial policy will continue and despite his humble behaviour and approach, Dr Singh cannot change this reality,'' Barua said.

The Prime Minister had said in Guwahati yesterday (Nov 22, 2004) that initial contacts had been established with the ULFA for holding peace talks but they must shun violence, as violence and talks cannot go on simultaneously.