Centre welcomes ULFA decision on games, says open to talks

New Delhi, Feb 5 (UNI) The Centre today welcomed the ULFA's decision to withdraw the boycott call of the National Games and said the option of talks with the insurgent group was always open.

''Its a good move,'' Home Secretary V K Duggal said, when asked for his reaction to the ULFA decision to take back boycott call just four days before the national games were due to kick off in Guwahati. ULFA has said that it has taken the decision on in response to fervent appeals by sports personalities of Asom.

Regarding the talks with the insurgent group, Mr Duggal said ''The offer of talks is always open.'' Meanwhile, a high-level meeting was held here to discuss the Asom situation in view of the coming National Games, ULFA's decision and security scenario in the state. The meeting, chaired by the Home Secretary, was attended by both the senior Home Ministry officials and Asom Government officials.

Ending month-long suspense, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa stated, in an e-mail, that the decision was taken in response to an appeal issued by some of Asom's most loved and respected sportspersons.

''The colonial rulers of India will not be allowed to stage any other event in Asom (after the National Games) till the political conflict is resolved,'' he added.

Leading sportspersons of the state, including footballer Gilbertson Sangma and Babul Barua, athletes Bhogeshwar Barua and Tybenussia, had issued a statement yesterday, urging the ULFA chairman to withdraw the boycott in the greater interest of the state and the sports fraternity. They had said any disruptive move during the Games would tarnish Asom's image and appealed to the ULFA to call off the boycott.

UNI