Guwahati: Banned ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) Commander-in Chief Paresh Barua yesterday (Dec 2, 2004) rejected any ''peace talks'' offered by the Centre without including its demand for sovereignty.

In a lengthy telephonic interview to a television channel North East TV, Barua, asserted that sovereignty was not the demand of his organisation but the entire people of Assam.

''Those who claim that independent Assam will never see the light of day are all agents of the Government of India and will be greatly disappointed when the dream is achieved, Barua heading the outfit's armed wing said.

Baura's comments assume significance after Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh during his recent visit to Assam ruled out the demand for sovereignty to be discussed in the peace talks initiated by the Government.

Lauding the role of noted litterateur and Jnanpith award winner Indira (Mamoni) Raisom Goswami, Barua said that she was not offering to be a mediator for possible talks but only placed out demands to the Centre.

On being asked who could represent the outfit during peace talks, the Commander-in-Chief said that the ULFA had a collective leadership and it would be a collective decision.