New Delhi, Jun 22: Giving a major fillip to the peace process in Assam, the Centre today agreed to "consider favourably" the release of five top ULFA leaders and to work out modalities for holding "direct" talks with the banned insurgent group within a fixed time frame.

The assurance on considering the release of the five detained leaders, including ULFA vice chairman Pradip Gogoi, was given by Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil during the third round of peace talks with the ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) here.

Besides Gogoi, the militants who are likely to be freed are ULFA cultural secretary Pranati Deka, publicity secretary Mithinga Daimary, executive committee member Ramu Mech and ideologue Bhimakanta Buragohain, PCG sources said.

A joint statement issued after nearly three hours of protracted negotiations between the Centre and the 11-member PCG said the group's "request for the release of five ULFA detenues would be considered favourably in consultation with Assam Govt ".

"Simultaneously, the Home Minister urged PCG to impress upon ULFA to ensure a peaceful and conducive environment so that direct talks with the Government of India are held at the earliest," the statement said.

This is the first time in the past 27 years since the ULFA came into existence that the Centre has agreed to hold direct talks with the militant group that was accused by the Government of carrying out a series of bomb blasts recently in Assam that killed seven people and injured scores.

ULFA has denied the charge.

The statement said that the PCG expressed satisfaction over Home Minister Patil's approach to negotiations that will help usher in lasting peace in Assam.

"PCG also assured the Home Minister that it would appeal to ULFA to create a peacful atmosphere in Assam, which will be conducive to holding direct talks," it said.

Modalities for direct talks between the ULFA and the Centre in a fixed time frame would be worked out through mutual consultations, it said adding the meeting concluded with the hope that there would be restraint on all sides.

Among others who attended the meeting were National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Home Secretary VK Duggal, Intelligence Bureau chief E SL Narasimhan, Assam Chief Secretary S Kabilan and PCG members, including Delhi University Professor Indira Goswami, a one-time close associate of ULFA leader Paresh Barua, Rebati Phukan, former Assam Chief Minister late Golap Borbora's son Arup Borbora and Haidar Hussain, editor of Asomiya Pratidin.

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