Aug 23: ULFA, govt to discuss norms for talks

The crucial round of talks between ULFA-nominated People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and the government will be held on August 23, in which the modalities for the initiation of direct talks will be discussed.

The crucial round of talks between ULFA-nominated People’s Consultative Group (PCG) and the government will be held on August 23, in which the modalities for the initiation of direct talks will be discussed.

“Issues like the release of the five prisoners and extension of the current suspension of operations by the government will come up for discussion. We hope to have a positive outcome on Wednesday,” said Assamese writer and mediator Indira Goswami.

Besides Goswami, the People’s Consultative Group will be represented by Rebati Phukan, while the government delegation will include National Security Adviser MK Narayanan and officials from the Home Ministry.

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Phukan, currently in Mumbai, said he would talk to the ULFA leadership tomorrow for directions on the modalities for direct talks. Last Friday, after the meeting between the PCG and Narayanan, the ULFA responded to the government’s gesture by declaring suspension of operations for the first time in it’s 27 years of existence.

Though the government is understood to have assured the PCG on safe passage to the ULFA delegates in the event of direct talks, the impasse over the release of the jailed cadres is yet to be sorted out. But PCG members are hopeful of a solution soon to pave the way for the beginning of direct talks.

The ULFA had earlier declared cessation of operations against the security forces, only the second time the outfit has done so. Assam Chief Minister had hailed the decision as a decision of truce and said it would mark a turning point in the development of the state.

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