NEW DELHI/GUWAHATI:The Centre and the Assam government on Wednesday welcomed the unilateral ceasefire announced by ULFA’s pro-talk faction in Assam and responded by saying an agreement with the banned outfit to suspend operations to facilitate early talks will be signed.
Home Minister P Chidambaram said the Centre has always expressed its willingness to hold a dialogue with any militant group that abjures violence, lays down arms and seeks a solution through peaceful democratic means.
“The Government of India welcomes the announcement made by the ULFA,” he said in a statement in New Delhi.
The Home Minister said it was expected that a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement will be signed and ground rules for observing the agreement will be finalised in the near future.
“The Government of India in consultation with Government of Assam will facilitate an early start to the talks,” he said.
ULFA leaders, including Rajkhowa, had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram and expressed their desire to seek a political solution to their demands.
“Recognising and respecting the desire of the people of Assam for a peaceful solution of the ongoing conflict, the General Council had decided to initiate political negotiations with the Government of India and has empowered the Chairman of ULFA to declare ceasefire,” Rajkhowa said in an email to the media.(PTI)