Mulayam Sets Terms For Talks With Assam Miltants

Underscoring the need for a ceasfire by miltants to pave way for talks, he told reporters that discussions cannot be held until ultras stop their violent activities.

When it was pointed out that his statement contradicted Prime Minister I K Gujral's recent declaration that the government was open holding unconditional talks with the miltants, he said, "If the rebels stop their activities, then the doors for talks will automatically open."

When asked if they army would cease fire if extermists halt their activities, the defence minister replied," We will."

Commending the army's role under the unified command structure in combating insurgency, Yadav said the exsting troops were inadequte to tackle the problem, particularly along the Indo-Bhutan border.

Stating that Bhutan was the major problem faced by the army during its operations in the state, he said talks would be held with the Prime Minister to solve it.

Insurgents from Assam have set up camps on the foothills of the moutain kingdom of bhutan and were carrying on their miltant activities from there, he said.

Expressing his happiness over the coordination between the state government and the army in handling extremism and the army in handling extremism under the unified command, Yadav said, good steps were also being taken by the army for tackling the problem.