Solution to militancy top priority : Gogoi

Guwahati, May 20 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today asserted that the new Congress-led coalition government would accord top priority to facilitate direct negotiations between the militant groups--the banned ULFA and Bodo militant group NDFB and the Centre.

He said all efforts would be made to restore peace that is essential for achieving his government's socio-economic development goals including infrastructure, employment and upgradation of education system.

Addressing the first formal news conference after becoming Chief Minister for the second term, Mr Gogoi said the next round of negotiation between the ULFA-nominated Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) and the Centre was expected soon and informed that his government was agreeable to releasing jailed ULFA leaders, who are detained under National Security Act (NSA).

Five top ULFA leaders, including outfits vice-chairman Pradip Hazarika, adviser Bhimkanta Buragohain, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimari and central committee leader Ramu Mech are now detained in Guwahati jail under NSA Act provisions.

Mr Gogoi, however, did not divulge who were the militant leaders the government was agreeable to release. The groups general secretary Anup Chetia is lodged in Bangladesh jail, although he had completed his jailed term for various charges levelled against him in that country. He has preferred to remain in Bangladesh jail for security reasons.

Earlier, the ULFA commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah had stated that release of the outfit's jailed central executive members were essential to enable the group to decide on direct talks with the Centre. At least three other central executive members of the outfit, including Ashanta Baghphukon and Bening Rabha had gone missing after they were apprehended by Royal Bhutan Army during 'Operation All Clear' launched inside Bhutan in December, 2003.

UNI XC SP SRS ND1514