Peace talks with ULFA wrong: Gogoi

New Delhi: Indirect talks with the separatist group United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) through the People's Consultative Group (PCG) was an incorrect step, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said in Delhi on Monday.

"It was a wrong move by the central government to continue peace talk with the ULFA. They got their sweet time to regroup themselves and now they are again spreading terror," said Gogoi while addressing a press conference on the 33rd National Games.

The February 9-18 National Games, being held after four years, have been a doubtful starter after ULFA called upon the people of Assam to boycott the games.

ULFA's recent terror attacks have killed more than 80 people. Gogoi said he was also to be blamed for the wrong step.

"I am also to be partly blamed for this process because the central government had taken me into confidence for the talks with the ULFA," he said.

However, Gogoi assured foolproof security for the National Games.

"I can assure you all that there will be foolproof security for the National Games. It will be much bigger then the 32nd National Games that took place in Hyderabad in 2002,” he said.

ULFA had set up the PCG, comprising of prominent Assamese citizens in September 2005, to start negotiations with the federal government.

The peace talks broke down last September when the central government refused to extend a ceasefire as ULFA did not give a written commitment to hold direct talks with the former.

Gogoi said nothing could be achieved by gun and by creating terror in the minds of the people of Assam.

He cited the example of a former separatist group Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) who are now a part of his government.

"BLT was also a similar out fit like the ULFA. But we sat down with BLT and they surrendered and also went onto fight elections. Now we have BLT members as a part of our government."

The state government still has its doors open for the ULFA to sit down and talk, Gogoi added.

"But they have to put down their arms first. They are not going to achieve anything by violence," he said.