Prices- Unconvincing Fall

extreme hardship to itself. Moreover, since there have been some signs of late that elements not exactly in tune with 'Indian' nationalism might he influencing the agitation, the need to arrive at a settlement with the Centre is felt all the more urgently. More than anything else, since there is no basic contradiction between the aims of the leaders of the agitation and the historic perception the Centre has of the region, the only pro- blem is how to arrive at a settlement in Assam without upsetting the electoral calculations of the ruling party in areas where the Muslim vote is crucial A settlement is thus not merely possible hut is perceived as necessary by both the parties to the dispute, In this context, it is useful to remember that the broard grouping called AASU comprises various political interests and parties, including Congress (I). Thus when once a Congress (I) ministry is formed, the necessary deals within the state can be struck