Won't talk to terrorists, Rajnath says in Assam

Guwahati, Dec 25: Home Minister Rajnath Singh Thursday ruled out talks with Bodo "terrorists" who massacred 73 tribals in Assam. After visiting some of the affected areas in Kokrajhar and Sonitpur districts, Rajnath Singh said: "The violence is not merely a case of insurgency but one of terrorism. We are going to deal with this sternly." He said the central government "will adopt a zero tolerance policy" towards terrorism and declared that "there would be no talks at any cost" with such militant outfits. The comments from Rajnath Singh, who flew into Assam Wednesday evening, came as the death toll in the Tuesday horror in Kokrajhar, Sonitpur and Chirang districts rose to 73 Thursday, officials said. The minister asked the Assam government to take time-bound action and promised all help from the central government.