Operations suspended, hope of peace soars

Guwahati, Aug 14 (UNI) After halting army operations against ULFA, the government is now ready to release five of their top leaders from the jail to pave the way for peace process in Asom 'if the ULFA responds positively to last night's gesture' Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said today.

''Both the Centre and state government are sincere for talks,'' he told mediapersons here.

Mr Gogoi added that along with the army, operations by the para military forces and police would remain suspended. ''However, the police will continue to do the normal law and order duty,'' he quickly added.

All eyes are now on the ULFA. Mr Gogoi said, '' The ball is in ULFA'a court now. The sooner they respond, the sooner peace will return to Asom,''.

The security forces have suspended operations against ULFA since last night and are hoping for peace to return early in Asom as the state has erupted into a jubilant mood on the eve of Independence Day with this new development.

AASU adviser Samujjal Kr Bhattacharrya said, ''The government has shown their gesture. Now it is ULFA's turn to respond. We welcome the move,''.

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