After CM offer, ULFA mediator wants end to army ops

Close on the heels of the Assam government recommending the release of jailed ULFA leaders, the group negotiating on behalf of the outlawed outfit with the Centre has appealed for an end to military operations against the rebels and the announcement of a truce.

‘‘It is the desire of the people that operations against the ULFA should be stopped. We appeal to the government to announce ceasefire soon to pave the way for direct talks with the Centre,’’ said noted Assamese writer Indira Goswami, a member of the people’s consultative group nominated by the militant outfit.

Goswami said since the Assam government had already given its nod for releasing jailed top ULFA leaders, including vice-president Pradip Gogoi, there should not be any problem to stop the operations by security forces and to announce a ceasefire. Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, addressing his first press conference after being re-elected for a second consecutive term, had said his government was ready to release ULFA central leaders. ‘‘We have no problem in releasing them if that helps accelerate the ongoing peace process,’’ he said.