The third round of preparatory talks between representatives of the government of India and the People's Consultative Group nominated by the banned United Liberation Front of Asom concluded on Thursday in New Delhi with a joint call for restraint from all sides to create a conducive atmosphere in violence-affected Assam to facilitate direct talks between the ULFA leaders and the central government.
In joint statement issued after the daylong discussion, which was chaired by the Home Minister Shivraj Patil, the government and the PCG called upon the banned ULFA to create a peaceful atmosphere in Assam for the sake of lasting peace.
As per the joint statement, the Union home minister assured the PCG to consider the latter's requests for release of five senior jailed ULFA leaders favourably after consulting with the government of Assam.
The government of Assam had earlier stated that it wouldn't object to release of 'certain' senior ULFA leaders from jails provided the government thought it prudent.
However, it developed cold feet over the issue in the wake of the latest series of ULFA-detonated explosions in Assam that left eight dead and over 100 injured.
The ULFA had demanded the release of five jailed central executive leaders -- Pradip Gogoi, Bhimkanta Buragohain, Pranati Deka, Nmithing Mithinga Daimary and Ramu Mech -- to enable it to take a 'consensus decision' regarding direct negotiation with the government.
As per the joint statement, the home minister asked the PCG to impress upon ULFA the need for a peaceful atmosphere in the state of Assam for finding a peaceful solution to the problem. The statement concluded with an appeal for restraint from all sides raising hopes for ceasefire in the trouble-torn state.
Thursday's meeting was of the view that modalities for holding ULFA-government talks in a fixed timeframe would be worked out through mutual consultation.
The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan, senior Home Ministry officials, Assam Chief Secretary S Kabilan and all members of the PCG led by noted Assamese litterateur Dr Indira Goswami.
The PCG was nominated by ULFA in September 2005 to prepare the ground for direct talks with the government of India.
The earlier two rounds of PCG-government talks were held in October 2005 and February 2006.
