Guwahati, Dec. 16 : Ceasefire-bound militant groups, academics and social activists recently called a convention `In Search of Peace' at the Guwahati University, which called for an end to violence in the State.

Organised by the Peace and Conflict section of the University''s political science department, the conclave had representatives from tribal and student organizations, including the All Assam Students Union (AASU) and the All Bodo Students Union (ABSU).

Participating in the seminar the leaders of the ULFA''s truce-bound 28 batallian, Dima Halam Doagah and Birsa Commando Force besides academicians and social activists opined it''s time to unite to end violence and usher in peace and prosperity. Ways to clear "bottlenecks" in the path of peace were also discussed at the event.

"We have brought together various stake holders of the civil society like the student''s organization, the rebel groups who are in ceasefire and various other political parties and many stake holders have come together to give a kind of united voice to the state that the state should develop the political will which is required to resolve such issues of insurgency," said Noni Gopal, Professor at Guwahati University.

"We need to have a very specific forum or a kind of facilitating body to really take part in the peace process in north-east India. In this, the State and Central government should also encourage the work of peace forum and peace workers to strengthen the dialogue between concerned parties," said Jebra Musahari, Chief advisor of the Indian Confederation of Indigenous and Tribal people.

Mindless violence and killings have paralyzed the State. There was a general feeling that such a trend should be opposed by one and all of the civilized society.

It was also felt that though every militant group has a separate agenda, there are common issues - peace being one of them - which can be addressed from a common platform.

Many of the members at the seminar said that talks could be the only solution for creating a peaceful environment in the State.

Dilip Nunisa, Chairman of the DHD in ceasefire, said: "To tackle this kind of situation, the government leaders or the public, or the leaders of the peace talk groups should have a constructive mindset so as to find out the way of settlement. Then peace will surely be there."

Mrinal Hazarika, Commander of the ULFA''s truce-bound 28 batallian, said: "The central committee leaders and the government will be involved in the dialogues. Whatever assistance the two sides'' need, I will be involved in working that out. Assam people must demand and the government will come to decide and discuss diplomatically. For these,

we have been going to many places in Assam wherever people wanted to talk and we will keep doing that. For this same purpose we have come to Guwahati as well."
(ANI)