Government holds peace talks with ULFA

NEW DELHI: The top leadership of ULFA today held talks with the government and discussed various aspects of its 'charter of demands' which sought amendment in the constitution to find a lasting solution to the three-decade-old insurgency problem in Assam.

During the 90-minute meeting, the ULFA delegation led by its 'chairman' Arabinda Rajkhowa discussed with Union Home Secretary R K Singh and other officials their demands and resolved to carry forward the dialogue process to find an amicable solution.

"It was a very constructive and fruitful discussion. I think we have achieved very good progress in the meeting," Union Home Secretary R K Singh told reporters here.

Rajkhowa too echoed a similar sentiment saying the dialogue was "very satisfactory".

"We discussed all issues concerning Assam's peace and development. We all agreed to carry forward the dialogue process," Rajkhowa told reporters after the talks which was held after a gap of six months.

Asked about the issues which figured in the talks, the Home Secretary said the ULFA team raised issues like "safe guard" to the indigenous people of Assam but a detailed discussion on it and issues like Centre-State relations, would be taken up in the next round of dialogue.