ULFA ready to talk with Centre

A week after the army called off operations against the United Liberation of Asom in the state's Dibru Saikhowa reserve forest, the banned militant outfit has sent a letter to the Prime Minister's Office expressing its readiness for talks.

"A letter containing names and addresses of People's Consultative Group members was formally handed over to the PMO on Friday evening," noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami, who has been mediating between the Centre and ULFA said.

ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa on September 8 nominated a 11-member group of public representatives to initiate preliminary negotiations with the Centre.

Goswami and noted footballer of yesteryear Rebati Phukan would act as facilitators for the talks with the Centre, Rajkowa had said.

However, Goswami declined to divulge details about the contents of the letter, saying peace initiative has reached a 'crucial stage' and 'we all need to be very careful'.

PCG member Lachit Bordoloi said the ULFA Chairman, in his letter, has said the outfit was ready for talks prior to which PCG would hold preliminary discussions to work out the process leading to formal declaration of ceasefire by both sides. He said the talks were expected to be held between October 18 and 22.