Gogoi calls upon PCG to initiate peace process

Guwahati, Sep 28 (UNI) Asom Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today called upon the civil society groups, especially the PCG, to convince the banned ULFA to commence peace talks.

Talking to mediapersons here this afternoon, Mr Gogoi said the peace process should continue despite the ULFA nominated People's Consulative Group (PCG), pulling out.

''The PCG and other civil society groups in the state play important role in the peace process. No one can ignore the civil society for long,'' he said.

According to Mr Gogoi, ''pulling out of the PCG from the talks process was not a very serious set-back but just a hiccup.'' He said the PCG should not have pulled out after such effort.

''I will play the role of the facilitator if any other civil society group come forward to facilitate talks between the ULFA and Union government,'' Mr Gogoi said.

Regarding resumption of Army operations in the state, the Chief Minister said, ''Army had been in operation in the state for so many years. The suspension was temporary in nature to allow ULFA to send the letter of commitment for talks.'' UNI XC JYN/SRC VD RK1834