Guwahati: Close on the heels of the Assam Government accepting the unilateral ceasefire offer of the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB), Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi today (Oct 19, 2004) said safe passage would be given to the ultras if they directly contact the Government for negotiations.

"We will give them safe passage the moment they contact us directly for coming to meet us or the Government of India for talks," Gogoi told reporters in Guwahati.

"If those NDFB leaders, lodged in jail now, are nominated by the outfit to participate in the discussions, they will also be given safe passage. Who ever is nominated by them, will be allowed to come," he said.

To queries on the agenda of peace talks with the outfit, the Chief Minister said, "Let them come and then it will evolve when we talk directly with them. The talks could be along the same line as the NSCN (National Socialist Council of Nagaland) or BLT (Bodo Liberation Tigers) parleys. No problem."

On the State Government withdrawing its security operations against the NDFB following the unilateral ceasefire from October 15, Gogoi said, "An informal ceasefire is in effect from our side though no formal instructions have been given yet since we have not met together so far."

"Delhi is seized of the matter and will take appropriate steps to work out the modalities for bringing them (NDFB) to the negotiation table. I will also be going to Delhi tomorrow and meet the Home Minister to work out the modalities," he said.

The Chief Minister was also hopeful that the proscribed ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam) would abjure violence and follow all the other insurgent outfits in the State to come to the negotiation table.

The Chief Minister recalled that when he took over the reins of the State Government three years ago his aim was to bring complete peace to the State and bring all militant outfits to the negotiation table.

"I am looking forward to the day when a congenial atmosphere would be created so I can withdraw the Disturbed Areas Act and Armed Forces Special Powers Act from the State," Gogoi said.