Guwahati: The NDFB (National Democratic Front of Bodoland) today (Nov 15, 2004) said it is willing to hold peace talks only with the Government of India and not with the Assam Government.

In an-e-mail to a section of the media yesterday, NDFB spokesperson S Sanjarang said, "We have declared ceasefire to initiate talks with the Government of India and not with the Government of Assam. How could the Assam Government, which is not in a position to declare ceasefire and talk without the permission of the Government of India talk to the NDFB?"

Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi talking to reporters in Guwahati today said that it was 'fine' for the outfit to negotiate with the Centre directly.

He was, however, insistent that the ground rules of the parleys be worked out and a representative be named by the NDFB to be contacted directly.

At present there is a communication gap between the State Government and the NDFB as the NDFB leaders could be contacted through a long and indirect process of messengers who then communicate with their leaders.

Claiming that it had responded on October 15 to Gogoi's truce offer of September 30, the NDFB asserted that "instead of declaring a ceasefire, Tarun Gogoi is only talking about ground rules of ceasefire and wants us to send a representative immediately to sign the agreement modalities.

What can the Bodo people expect from the Government of Assam?''