Saturday, April 9 2005 17:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: In a bid to usher in peace in the State, the Congress today (Apr 9, 2005) extended an offer of 'unconditional' talks with insurgent outfits in Assam and said that negotiations could be held 'anywhere' they wanted.

Addressing a massive 'gaon chalo' rally of the party in Guwahati, Congress observer for North-East, Dig Vijay Singh appealed to the militants to shun the path of violence.

"We are ready to hold talks without any pre-condition and will go wherever they want to talk," he said.

Citing the examples of Mizoram and Nagaland where the militants came over ground and participated in the democratic process to bring peace, Singh said that it was time Assam ultras came forward for restoring peace in the State.

Pointing out the futility in militant activities like triggering bomb blasts, the Congress leader asked them if development of the State could be brought about by killing children, blowing up oil pipelines, transformers etc.

He underscored the need to have peace for economic development of the State, to encourage investors in the State from outside, for opening up employment avenues for the youth.