Wednesday, January 4 2006 14:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: A positive response from the banned ULFA is yet to be received by the Assam government to its 14-day 'safe passage' offer from January seven to visit their families during the Assamese Magh Bihu festival.

Talking to reporters here, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, "there is no positive response so far. It is upto them (ULFA) to respond".

"If ULFA responds then I will send a proposal to the union home ministry for ensuring their safe passage", Gogoi said responding to queries about the army authority's, claim that they were yet to receive any such instructions.

The Chief Minister on New Year's Day offered the facility to Ulfa for its leaders and cadres to visit their near and dear ones during the Magh Bihu festival and also for the new year.

"They will only have to inform us and then visit their families. They will also have to come unarmed and we will not arrest them", Gogoi assured.

"We will let them go back also", the Chief Minister added.