Dibrugarh/Nalbari, Dec. 15: Ulfa is likely to seek answers from the government on its leaders who went missing during Operation All Clear in Bhutan in December 2003 with the outfit’s adviser and deputy commander-in-chief saying that the group’s executive council would discuss the matter as and when it meets.

Ulfa adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain and deputy commander-in-chief Raju Barua told The Telegraph today that the Ulfa leaders would discuss the matter and, if subsequently talks are held, seek answers from the government.

The government had earlier stated in an affidavit before the court that it was not aware of the fate of the Ulfa leaders since the operation in Bhutan.

The 13 who went missing include Ashanta Baghphukan, Robin Neog and Benning Rabha, all members of the outfit’s executive council.

Buragohain said the matter of the missing leaders would be the first he would raise at the council’s meeting. “We will have to have a settlement before we go ahead with talks with the government.”

Barua, too, said the matter would be raised at the council’s meeting. “Some of their wives had met us in jail and asked us about their whereabouts but we don’t have any information. We have to see what can be done. If the leadership so decides, we shall take up the issue with the government if we hold talks.”

Buragohain said, “This is a very painful matter. My heart bleeds whenever I think of their wives and children. A couple of days ago, a senior army intelligence official came to meet me and I raised the issue before him. I will even take it up with the Prime Minister if I were to meet him. I will not sit idle till I get confirmed news about all of them.”

Buragohain, who was released from jail, was in close communication with the missing Ulfa leaders when they were in Bhutan till the Royal Bhutan Army attacked and overran their camps. He said he had last seen Baghphukan and Neog in detention at the Writers Camp of the Royal Bhutan Army at Koipani before he was sent off from there. The wives of the missing leaders had even resorted to a hunger strike, demanding news about their husbands. However, so far neither Delhi nor Thimpu has shed any light on their whereabouts.

“By not providing information, both have flouted international laws and norms of war. According to international laws, it is mandatory to provide information about prisoners of war. Therefore, I would once again appeal to all concerned to just inform us whether they are still alive. At least, they (the wives of the missing leaders) will then know whether to continue to apply vermilion on their foreheads,” Buragohain said.