Source: Hueiyen News Service / Newmai News Network
Guwahati, May 28 2010:
The United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA) has sought the release of its jailed leaders for early resumption of peace talks.
"The government shall have to first create a conducive atmosphere so that we can collectively take a decision.
The atmosphere can be created once the jailed leaders are freed," ULFA leader Mithinga Daimary said in a statement issued to a section of the media on Friday in Guwahati.
The statement was issued soon after a meeting of the jailed ULFA leaders at the Central Jail here on Friday.
Daimary was released on bail along with ULFA vice president Pradip Gogoi recently.
"We have never said the talks could be held without the participation of Paresh Barua (ULFA military chief)," Daimary said, thus keeping the doors open for Barua.
Jailed ULFA leader Pranati Deka said the ULFA military chief was not against peace talks.
"He is not against talks.
He doesn't favour talks only for peace.
He wants solution of the Assam-India conflict," she added.
There could be legal hurdles as regard the release of the six jailed ULFA leaders including the outfit's chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and deputy military chief Raju Barua.
But if government consents, they could be released on parole.
With ULFA asking the government to create a congenial atmosphere for commencement of peace parleys, it remains to be seen what steps the government takes now.
The Assam government on Wednesday decided in principle to initiate the process of talks with the ULFA.
The cabinet decision came barely a day after the Centre put the peace ball in the court of the Assam Government.
In a last ditch effort, the state's chief minister Tarun Gogoi on Thursday appealed to the ULFA military chief to come for the talks.
This he did knowing that talks without the participation of Barua and his aides may not yield results.