PCG calls on Asom CM over release of ULFA leaders issue

Guwahati, Jun 20 (UNI) ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) today met Asom Chief Minster Tarun Gogoi on the issue of release of jailed terrorist outfit leaders.

The PCG members are leaving for New Delhi tomorrow to take part in the third round of talks with the Union government on behalf of the United Liberation front of Asom (ULFA).

The PCG members, talking to the Chief Minister at his residence after he returned from an overseas tour yesterday, asked the state government's stand on the issue of release of top five jailed ULFA leaders.

Mr Gogoi said his government had no problem in releasing the leaders and it was for the Centre to take the final decision on the issue.

He said, ''If the Centre directs us to release the ULFA leaders, my government will do it promptly.'' The PCG delegation urged the Chief Minister to exercise his goodwill and use his good offices to persuade the Centre on the issue, saying the release of the leaders was necessary to facilitate direct talks between the Centre and ULFA.

ULFA had set a pre-condition for the release of its leaders vice-chairman Pradip Gogoi, cultural secretary Pranati Deka, political advisor and ideologue Bhimkanta Buragohain, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary and Ramu Mech.

The June 22 talks are expected to be the final round with the selected group and the ground for direct ULFA-Centre talks is likely to be prepared that day.

Besides, the Centre's representatives and the PCG, the state government would be represented by the DGP and the Chief Secretary in the third round of talks.

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