Patnaik, new Assam governor, asks ULFA to shun violence

GUWAHATI - Former Orissa chief minister J.B. Patnaik, who was Friday sworn in as Assam governor, urged the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) to shun violence and come for unconditional peace talks with the government.

“First they (ULFA) should eschew violence and then come for unconditional peace talks,” Patnaik said soon after being sworn in as the new governor of Assam Friday.

Patnaik has replaced Syed Sibti Razi whose term expired. He was sworn in as Assam governor by J. Chalameswar, chief justice of the Gauhati High Court.

“I would execute my constitutional duties and whenever required I am ready to extend my services,” Patnaik said when asked if he could take a lead in furthering the deadlocked peace process between the government and the ULFA.