Talks with Centre positive: ULFA

GUWAHATI - United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa on Tuesday said the first round of talks with the Centre was ‘very positive’, as the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has assured of an honourable and acceptable solution to the problems of Assam.

“We had met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh last evening at his residence in Delhi and we are happy with his approach towards resolving Assam’s problems,” said Rajkhowa, while expression satisfaction over the government’s response.

“The Prime Minister has assured us of an honourable and acceptable solution to the problems of Assam and our talks with him were very cordial,” he said. “The prime minister also appreciated our initiative to come forward for peace talks and our resolve to solve the problem through dialogue,” he added.

Earlier on Monday evening, a delegation of ULFA leaders led by Rajkhowa met the Prime Minister at his 7 Race Course Road residence in New Delhi for around 15 minutes.

The team had earlier met Union Home Minister P Chidambaram and Union Home Secretary GK Pillai.

ULFA leaders have also met Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi and sought his cooperation in carrying forward the peace process with the Central Government.

Gogoi had on January 20 said that peace talks with ULFA are on the right track and will continue even without Paresh Baruah, the separatist group’s commander-in-chief. (ANI)