Guwahati: Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma has lashed out at the Times of India (TOI) for publishing fake news. In fact, the Times Of India claimed in its report that the Assam government is ready to discuss other key issues including talks with ULFA (I) terrorists and demand for sovereignty.

I am aghast to see this news in @timesofindia. No Chief Minister can discuss Sovereignty of India with any one. This is non-negotiable. We all Indians, irrespective of our positions, are here to protect the sovereignty of India. I strongly refute the news report. This is FALSE. pic.twitter.com/LUjgeRr2ij

— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) November 18, 2021

CM Sarma shared a picture of a news report published in TOI on social media saying he was surprised to see such claims. Sarma tweeted on Thursday (November 18, 2021) that "No Chief Minister can discuss Sovereignty of India with anyone. This is non-negotiable. We all Indians, irrespective of our positions, are here to protect the sovereignty of India. I strongly refute the news report. This is FALSE.'' It may be recalled that the Times Of India report claimed that Himanta Biswa Sarma on Wednesday (November 17, 2021) said that the basic demand for the sovereignty of ULFA (I) has to be negotiated.

The report further states that for the first time since the establishment of the undivided ULFA in 1979, a CM of the state dared to discuss the basic demand of the ULFA with positivity. The CM before Sarma had either opted for a military option or refrained from addressing the issue. It said former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had once said in 2005 that the Centre was ready to discuss "core issues." Immediately after assuming office, CM Sarma had said that a new approach was needed to tackle ULFA.

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