Gogoi briefs Manmohan on peace process with ULFA

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi called on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Tuesday and apprised him of the progress being made on the peace process with the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

He also briefed Dr. Singh on the initiative taken by some intellectuals, including Hiren Gohain, to revive the peace initiative.

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) contacted Dr. Gohain on Monday to enquire about a fax message he sent seeking an appointment with the Prime Minister for a delegation of intellectuals and leading citizens which had organised a

Jatiya Abhibartan (national convention) to revive the peace initiative.

Dr. Singh told the Assam Chief Minister that he was keen to meet Dr. Gohain and other delegates of the

Jatiya Abhibartan to take forward the peace process with ULFA, said an official release issued here.

The convention held on April 24 urged both ULFA and the government, through a resolution, to engage in unconditional talks. Other resolutions urged that the dialogue be held at the highest levels on both sides; that the jailed ULFA leaders be freed so that decisions could be made in a conducive atmosphere; and that the government show no reluctance to initiate a dialogue. It was also decided that a delegation would call on the Prime Minister and submit a memorandum based on the resolutions adopted.

On Sunday, Mr. Gogoi revealed that a top ULFA leader had formally conveyed to him that the insurgent outfit was ready to hold talks with the government.