Narayanan’s presence sought during ULFA talks

The Peoples’ Consultative Group, which is acting as the facilitator in the peace process between the Centre and militant group ULFA, today asked National Security Advisor M K Narayanan to be present during the third round of talks.

The Peoples’ Consultative Group, which is acting as the facilitator in the peace process between the Centre and militant group ULFA, today asked National Security Advisor M K Narayanan to be present during the third round of talks. The talks are likely to held later this month in the Capital.

Jnanpith awardee Prof Indira Goswami, a member of the PCG, today spoke to Narayanan requesting him to participate in the talks that are expected to be the last round before the ULFA despatches a team for direct parleys with the Government.

‘‘We would like the same cordial atmosphere which was found during the first and second round at the PMO. He (Narayanan) was involved right from the beginning last year and he understands the issue well,’’ Goswami said, adding ‘‘A lot of effort has been put to reach this stage and we would not like it to be wasted.’’

The 11-member PCG will hold a meeting at Guwahati on June 5 to work out the agenda for the forthcoming discussions with the Home Ministry. The ULFA, however, has forwarded certain pre-conditions for direct talks that include the unconditional release of all it’s five executive members lodged in various jails in Assam. It said that the presence of these activists was necessary for the executive committee to take a decision on the proposed discussions.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu holds up a map while speaking at the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 26, 2025, at U.N. headquarters. (AP Photo/Stefan Jeremiah)

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