[Assam] That’s more like it, Outlook. Be fair and sensible. Praise them later if you have occasion to, BUT please do not demonise the ULFA again for seeking to restoration of the sovereignty of Assam and launching the freedom struggle against India.

[Bartta Bistar]

Centre to work on details for direct talks with ULFA

http://www.outlookindia.com/pti_news.asp?id=393903

NEW DELHI, JUN 22 (PTI)

Giving a major fillip to the peace process in Assam, the Centre today agreed
to "consider favourably" the release of five top ULFA leaders and to work
out modalities for holding "direct" talks with the banned insurgent group
within a fixed timeframe.

The assurance on considering the release of the five detained leaders,
including ULFA vice chairman Pradip Gogoi, was given by Union Home Minister
Shivraj Patil during the third round of peace talks with the ULFA-nominated
People's Consultative Group (PCG) here.

Besides Gogoi, the militants who are likely to be freed are ULFA cultural
secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, executive
committee member Ramu Mech and ideologue Bhimakanta Buragohain, PCG sources
said.

A joint statement issued after nearly three hours of protracted negotiations
between the Centre and the 11-member PCG said the group's "request for the
release of five ULFA detenues would be considered favourably in consultation
with the government of Assam".

"Simultaneously, the Home Minister urged PCG to impress upon ULFA to ensure
a peaceful and conducive environment so that direct talks with the
Government of India are held at the earliest," the statement said.

This is the first time in the past 27 years since the ULFA came into
existence that the Centre has agreed to hold direct talks with the militant
group that was accused by the government of carrying out a series of bomb
blasts recently in Assam that killed seven people and injured scores. ULFA
has denied the charge.

The statement said that the PCG expressed satisfaction over Home Minister
Patil's approach to negotiations that will help usher in lasting peace in
Assam.

"PCG also assured the Home Minister that it would appeal to ULFA to create a
peacful atmosphere in Assam, which will be conducive to holding direct
talks," it said.

Modalities for direct talks between the ULFA and the Centre in a fixed
timeframe would be worked out through mutual consultations, it said adding
the meeting concluded with the hope that there would be restraint on all
sides.

Among others who attended the meeting were National Security Advisor M K
Narayanan, Home Secretary V K Duggal, Intelligence Bureau chief E S L
Narasimhan, Assam Chief Secretary S Kabilan and PCG members, including Delhi
University professor Indira Goswami, a one-time close associate of ULFA
leader Paresh Barua, Rebati Phukan, former Assam Chief Minister late Golap
Borbora's son Arup Borbora and Haidar Hussain, editor of the leading daily
Asomiya Pratidin.

Asked as to what the Centre meant by saying that there should be restraint
"on all sides", Duggal said, "While the government has urged the ULFA to
maintain peace and create a conducive atmosphere for direct talks, we will
also ensure such an atmosphere is there." On the timeframe for the direct
talks, Duggal said "it will be at the earliest".







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