New Delhi: Observing that the security situation in the North East had "improved significantly", Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee on February 8 voiced confidence that peace talks with Bodo Liberation Tigers (BLT) would soon yield a "positive agreement".

"Negotiations are in progress with BLT. We are confident that our peace talks with BLT will soon yield a positive agreement. We hope that these peace talks would reach a decisive phase in the coming months," he told Chief Ministers conference on internal security.

Maintaining that the government's policy of sustained talks and negotiations to bring about peace was showing results, Vajpayee recalled the recently concluded peace talks with National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isaac/Muivah (NSCM-IM).

He said after several rounds of negotiations abroad, talks with NSCM-IM leaders Isaac Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, were held for the first time in India.

Tripartite talks between BLT, Centre and Assam government were held in December. They centred around demarcation of the boundaries of Bodo-dominated areas in Assam for formation of the Bodoland Autonomous Council.

Stating that good governance was the most important component of strategy to bring lasting peace in the region, the Prime Minister said the fruits of development must reach people belonging to all diverse ethnic groups in the North Eastern states.

Concerted efforts by state governments were needed to ensure accelerated implementation of infrastructural projects, create employment opportunities and promote harmonious and decentralised development with people's participation, Vajpayee said.

He said the Centre would continue to provide all necessary assistance in this regard.

PTI