PCG demands release of senior ULFA leaders before peace talk

Guwahati, July 23 (UNI) The Peoples' Consultative Group (PCG) has demanded release of jailed ULFA leaders before peace talk between the Centre and the banned outfit begins.

The body in an urgent meeting late last night passed a resolution demanding the Centre release the jailed ULFA's central committee leaders before direct talks start with the outfit, according to a statement released by the PCG today.

The PCG also alleged the Centre had not kept its promise of June 22 meeting when it had agreed to set free the jailed leaders before direct talk begins with ULFA.

''Instead the Centre is asking for direct communication before the release of the leaders. This is violation of the promise,'' said the PCG statement signed by its spokesman Arup Borbora and Coordinator Lachit Bordoloi.

Presently five senior ULFA leaders including vice president Pradeep Gogoi have been jailed in Asom. The ULFA has been demanding for their release.

The state government has informed it has no objection on their release.

The PCG will request National Security Adviser M K Narayanan to desist from putting any new pre-condition before starting the peace process, which has reached a crucial stage.

UNI MT PC PA DB2047