ULFA talks still uncertain

Guwahati, Aug 25: The United Liberation Front of Asom(ULFA) has made it clear that they were ready to hold direct talks with the Centre provided it implements the decisions taken at the third round of discussion with the Peoples Consultative Groups(PCG) in New Delhi on June 22 last.

The decisions taken in the third round of talks between PCG and the Centre was that the Centre should ensure the release of five top jailed ULFA leaders after consulting the state Government, both the rebel group and the Army should exercise restrain and the rebel group should sit for direct peace talks with the Centre.

ULFA Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa last night said ''our attention has been drawn to news reports about yesterday's discussions between PCG coordinators and the Indian Government. In this regard we would like to reiterate that we are ready to take the next step towards holding direct talks with the Centre if the decisions taken in the June 22 meeting are honoured''. He further added that ''we have nothing new to say''.

The decisions taken in yesterday's meeting between the PCG Coordinators and the Centre was that the ULFA should write a letter to the Centre expressing willingness for direct peace talks with the latter, it should set the date for direct talks and should name its team of leaders who would take part in the direct talks.

Both the ULFA and the Centre had since then announced temporary suspension of hostilities. But the bone of contention is the release of the five jailed ULFA leaders, Bhimkanta Buragohain, Pradip Gogoi, Mithinga Daimary, Ramu Mech and Pranati Deka, all executive members of the banned rebel group.

Meanwhile Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has left for Delhi today. During his stay in the national Capital, Mr Gogoi will meet Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and discuss the issue of release of the five jailed ULFA leaders as demanded by the outfit before the direct talks, sources here said.

UNI