Gogoi hints at release of jailed ULFA leaders

Guwahati, Feb 19: Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi has hinted at releasing jailed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leaders for peace talks.

Speaking to reporters, Gogoi said, "I also know that there cannot be talks with handcuffs on and would surely want negotiations with dignity and honour."

He said, "We are working out strategies for meaningful talks although I cannot spell out everything at this point in time."

Gogoi was reacting to demands by jailed ULFA leaders to free them from prison to open peace talks with New Delhi.

"We want a permanent solution to the problem and definitely holding talks with the ULFA leadership is high on our priority list," the Chief Minister said.

Gogoi further said, "We want that all the ULFA leaders, including commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah should come and join the peace talks but if he doesn't come we will not wait for him indefinitely and still start the peace talks."

"The Home Minister (P Chidambaram) has asked me to come to New Delhi for discussions and very soon we will come out with some positive news," Gogoi added.

OneIndia News