Guwahati, Nov. 22: The Manab Adhikar Sangram Samiti (MASS) has denied allegations of links with the banned Ulfa, but dared the Assam government to prove its charges that it had relations with the outfit.

The MASS has been in the forefront of those demanding that the government prise open the door for a dialogue with the Ulfa to end insurgency in the state.

Accusing the government of hatching a conspiracy to malign the human rights organisation, MASS chairperson Lachit Bordoloi today said “confessional statements” were being “manufactured” to frame office-bearers and activists of his organisation.

Bordoloi claimed that security agencies were “planting concocted confessional statements” to establish the allegation that the MASS was recruiting Ulfa cadre. He said no activist of his organisation was involved in any such activity, as alleged by security agencies.

The MASS chairperson also claimed that none of the persons named in alleged confessional statements of Ulfa activists was associated with his organisation.

“If the government has any evidence against anybody, then they should further investigate into the matter and arrest the person. My name has also been unnecessarily dragged into the matter,” Bordoloi said.

He claimed that the “anti-talks lobby” in the state government had hatched a conspiracy against his organisation as the MASS was advocating negotiations with the Ulfa.

Bordoloi said the MASS wanted to elicit public opinion by roping in the civil society in talks with the Ulfa, should it take place. “We have organised public meetings at several places and with the various tribal groups in this regard,” he said.

The rights group also demanded immediate release of arrested Ulfa vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi to facilitate talks between the outfit and the government.

The incarcerated Ulfa leader has offered to play the role of a mediator if he is authorised by the outfit.

The Ulfa leader had said that the outfit was ready to reciprocate if the Union and the state governments declare a unilateral ceasefire to create a conducive atmosphere for peace negotiations.

Chief minister Tarun Gogoi, however, put the ball in the Ulfa’s court by saying that his government was ready to recommend ceasefire if the outfit abjured violence.