Manmohan Singh on two-day visit to Assam from today

NEW DELHI - The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, will be on a two-day visit to Assam from Friday, where he is expected to review the prevailing situation and the progress of some of the developmental projects.

During his visit, Dr. Singh will also take stock of the law and order situation in the wake of United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) leadership starting peace dialogue with the government.

Dr. Singh will address a rally on rural development in Kamrup district and lay the foundation stone for the country’s second National Institute of Design in Jorhat during his visit. He will also lay the foundation stone for Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Petroleum Technology in Sibsagar

The Prime Minister is also expected to discuss with the Assam Government about the development in the peace talks with the separatist group.

Earlier on Tuesday, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa said the first round of talks with the Centre was ‘very positive’, as the Prime Minister 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 told reporters in Guwahati on his return from the national capital.

Earlier on Monday evening, a delegation of ULFA leaders led by Rajkhowa met the Prime Minister at his 7 Race Course Road residence 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)