After days of speculation about United Liberation Front of Assam- Independent (ULFA-I) chief Paresh Baruah's death, the C-in-C of the outfit in a phone-in-conversation with Pratidin Time's Editor-in-Chief Nitumoni Saikia rubbished the report calling it a hoax by people with vested interests.

Baruah accepted the report that his nephew, Munna Baruah, has joined the ULFA (I) outfit recently and said that there are many more educated youths who have joined them.

Books on ULFA or ULFA (I) have entered the list of best sellers in the 20th Northeast Book Fair. On enquired about the reason behind it, Baruah replied, "Youths are now intelligent and that is a very positive thing. They are now aware of the fact the Nation is continuously betraying Assam. They are aware of the anomalies in the NRC."

On asked about the reports suggesting Rebati Phukan's death, the ULFA (I) supremo said, "Two pro-talk leaders might have involved in the murder of Rebati Phukan." Baruah further added that Rebati was a PCG member and was continuously trying to convince Baruah to come to a discussion with the Centre.

Expressing his concerns over peace talk, the ULFA (I) chief informed that he is non-flexible on the demand of Assam's sovereignty. He has made it clear that his group will sit for parleys only if the issue of Assam's sovereignty is on the agenda.