The Assam government on Thursday said its is ready to declare a ceasefire with the United Liberation Front of Asom from October 16 if the insurgent outfit responds positively to the offer.

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters in Guwahati that his government will cease all its operations against ULFA if the group stopped its subversive activities and responded to the government's offer for talks.

The grounds for the ceasefire will be prepared in the next 15 days if the outfit responds to the offer directly or through a mediator, Gogoi said.

Gogoi also said his government will welcome any Union government initiative to hold talks with ULFA on the lines of its parleys with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim.