Wednesday, June 29 2005 21:55 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Despite a string of bomb blasts in Assam allegedly triggered by ULFA (United Liberation Front of Assam), the State Government today (Jun 29, 2005) said its efforts to bring the militant outfit to the dialogue table would not be derailed.

"Just because of some incidents, we should not give up hope. Efforts (to start the dialogue process) should continue as long as possible," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters in New Delhi.

A number of blasts have rocked various parts of Assam in the last few days, including one outside the CRPF camp in capital Guwahati, which killed two people.

The Centre had recently asked ULFA to come for talks provided it abjured violence.

The outfit had reportedly demanded that its top leaders be released from prison for the process to commence. However, it has not yet given its official response to the Government.

Gogoi said, while vigilance would be stepped up in view of the recent blasts, "Our whole approach is not to go for confrontation but adopt persuasive methods to begin talks." He said the Government favoured release of jailed ULFA leaders so that the process could start.

Asked about Assam Governor Lt Gen (Retd) Ajai Singh's recent statement opposing release of the militant leaders, Gogoi said, "He is entitled to have his own views."

To a question whether there was a conflict between different arms of the Government on this issue, he merely said, "There is no question of any conflict."