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Centre, ULFA to hold talks next week http://www.deccanherald.com/deccanherald/oct222005/national17282220051021.asp |
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New Delhi, UNI: |
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The authorities are cautious about the exercise as similar attempts have failed in the past. |
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The Centre and the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) will begin their historic peace talks next week which could pave the way for return of permanent peace in the North-Eastern state after more than two decades of violence.
A nine-member Peoples Consultative Group (PCG), designated by ULFA will hold discussions with National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and top Union government officials. The PCG will be assisted by Jnanpith winner Indira Goswami and footballer of yesteryear Rebati Phukan. Ms Goswami has been helping in the negotiations.
"It will a historic moment when the Centre and PCG begin talks next week which could bring the outfit to the negotiating table," Ms Goswami said here on Friday.
"But we all are extremely cautious as any wrong move could jeopardise the proposed negotiations," she said, adding, attempts in the past to broker peace with the outfit did not yield positive results.
The government will send a formal invitation to the PCG for talks, on October 25 and 26. The group which is scheduled to arrive here on Monday will be headed by Mukul Mahanta, the seniormost member.
On whether the PCG members will hold talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, Ms Goswami said, "initially they will hold talks with Mr Narayanan."
However, a "courtesy" meeting may take place with the Prime Minister.
Sources in the Union Home Ministry, are, however, cautious in the approach. "Talks are not being held with ULFA, but with a group designated by them. This round of talks will help prepare grounds for negotiations with ULFA in the coming
months," they said.
"This is a positive development and we are cautiously optimistic," the sources said, ruling out discussing the modalities for ceasefire with the PCG.
"No formal negotiations can be held with a civil society group which comprises ULFA sympathisers. Such talks can only be held with the group," the sources pointed out.
The sources warned against any major breakthrough as similar attempts in the past have been a failure.
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