Curiously, in Assam, the eagerness in political circles tonegotiate with terror has remained undiminished and has often clashed with theSecurity Forces' assessment of the situation. More often than not, the politicalclass has had its way in overriding security concerns. This time as well, theruling Congress regime, which faces an election in less than a years' time,remains vulnerable to pressures, even from an group like the PCG. Within days ofits formation, the PCG has been able to crank up hopes by describing itself asthe epitome of ULFA's sincerity towards a peaceful solution, and has echoed theULFA's demands for the termination of military operations, which it claims arevitiating the 'conducive atmosphere' for negotiations. It has also alleged'large-scale human rights violations' in villages such as Dhadia Laika, PhasiDia and Bon Gaon, which lie within the perimeter of the National Park. OnSeptember 15, the PCG claimed to have secured an assurance from the governmentthat Army operations would be stopped. Subsequently, on September 21, it sent ateam to the Dibru-Saikhowa forests, to make an on-the-spot assessment, but theArmy disallowed its entry into the area.