Guwahati: Assam Chief Minister Tarun
Gogoi today said formal talks with the ULFA will begin
within the next two months.
"The process of holding talks with the ULFA was
proceeding in the right direction and we are hopeful of
sitting for formal talks with the outfit within the next two
months," Gogoi said after holding discussions with the
peace-talk interlocutor P C Haldar here at his residence.
Haldar, who met ULFA leaders, including its Chairman
Arabinda Rajkhowa at the Central Jail here today, apprised the
chief minister of the steps taken so far to pave the way for
holding formal talks with the outfit.
Gogoi said efforts were on to bring the ULFA
`Commander-in-Chief` Paresh Barua for talks but "we cannot
wait for him indefinitely".
Discussions with the members of ULFA, the Sanmilita
Jatiya Abartan - a body of intellectuals, and other
organisations will facilitate the talks, he said.
Haldar had also met ULFA leaders in the jail after his
arrival here yesterday.
The interlocutor`s presence in the state assumes
significance following the arrival of more than 20 surrendered
militants from Bangladesh to Assam for participating in the
dialogue process.
The Chief Minister had said yesterday that militants
were in the state, but not in police custody.
They, he had said, wanted talks as they had realised
that development of Assam could be made only through peace and
not violence.
PTI
