Guwahati: The banned ULFA (United Liberation front of Assam) has said that the ball was now in the Government's court and talks can be held only if they recognise the genuine demands of the outfit.

A caller identifying himself as ULFA Commander-in-Chief Paresh Barua told a local daily last night (Nov 29, 2004) that if the Centre recognises ''our demand for Sovereignty, we shall come forward for discussions''.

He said that the Sovereignty of Assam is not negotiable and the outfit is keen to hold talks only if the issue is discussed. ''We want to discuss Sovereignty of Assam and not negotiate on the issue'', he added.

"The ULFA would also welcome the involvement of the British Government in the process of discussions as the knowledge of the British on the history of Assam is better than that of the Indian Government,'' Barua said.

He further claimed that the outfit has not suspended its operations nor declared a ceasefire but would hit back whenever its members come under attack.

''We are not following the path of Mahatma Gandhi that we will sit idle even when we are attacked. Our issue should not be termed as law and order problem. We are fighting for the Sovereignty of Assam and we shall continue to do so to achieve our goals,'' Barua said.