Assam violence to affect tea exports

"(The violence) will certainly affect the Indian tea industry. It is already having some adverse effects. Some buyers have cancelled orders," Ramesh told newsmen at the state secretariat here.

Pointing out that Assam tea contributed 25 per cent of the country's total tea exports, Ramesh said that a "breakthrough" had been achieved this year by exporting about two million kg of tea to Pakistan. 

Describing the recent spate of killings by the ULFA as a "sign of desperation" of the outfit, he said the peace dialogue with them could not be continued if they go ahead with their "inexcusable" and "unacceptable" mayhem.

Ramesh said it was "well known" that the ULFA ranks had been infiltrated by ISI elements.