Centre agrees to release five top ULFA leaders

New Delhi, Jun 22: The centre today agreed to release five top ULFA leaders from jail but asked the insurgent outfit to ensure a peaceful and conducive atmosphere for ''direct talks'' between the two for lasting peace in the restive state.

After a marathon session of talks between the centre, the People's Consultative Group (PCG)--nominees of the ULFA-- and state government representatives here today, it was officially announced that ''direct talks'' between ULFA and the centre would be held ''at the earliest.'' ''Further modalities for holding these talks between the ULFA and the government of India in a fixed time-frame, would be worked out through mutual consultations,'' said a joint statement issued after the talks which lasted nearly four hours.

Home Minister Shivraj Patil led the central team at the talks with an 11-member PCB delegation. The state government was represented by Chief Secretary S Kabilan.

National Security Advisor (NSA) M K Narayanan, Union Home Secretary V K Duggal and noted Assamese writer Dr Indira Goswami also participated.

UNI

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