Centre determined to continue peace talks with ULFA:Duggal

New Delhi, July 10 (UNI) Asserting its resolve to continue with the peace process in Asom, the Centre today said it will work to create a conducive atmosphere for direct talks with ULFA.

Talking to reporters, after a marathon meeting with Asom Chief Secretary S Kabilan and State DGP, Home Secretary V K Duggal said the extortion threats to Reserve Bank of India in Asom by ULFA will harm the peace process.

He said the insurgent outfit should prove their willingness to continue peace talks.

Mr Duggal expressed the hope that ULFA will help in creating a conducive atmosphere for direct talks with the Centre in which their demand for the release of 5 detenues may be taken up after consultations with the state government.

Replying to a query if the withdrawal of extortion notices to the RBI would be set as a precondition to the release of detenues, the Home Secretary it is upto the state government as they will be discussing the issue.

Mr Duggal said today's meeting was in continuation with the last month's meeting between the People's Consultative Group (PCG) representatives and the state government to discuss measures to take forward the peace talks and facilitate direct negotiations between the Centre and ULFA.

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