Govt may release top ULFA men

The Govt agreed to work out modalities for holding "direct" talks with banned insurgents within a fixed timeframe.

Giving a major fillip to the peace process in Assam, the Centre on Thursday agreed to "consider favourably" the release of five top ULFA leaders.

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The Government also agreed to work out modalities for holding "direct" talks with the banned insurgent group within a fixed timeframe.

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).

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 détentes would be considered favourably in consultation with the government of Assam".

"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