Thursday, June 8 2006 17:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: The Centre is likely to release five top jailed ULFA leaders before the next round of talks here on June 22 with a group of eminent persons nominated by the rebel group, a negotiator said here today (June 8, 2006).

This was indicated by National Security Adviser M K Narayanan and Home Secretary V K Duggal during a meeting here with Assamese writer Indira Goswami and Rebati Phukan, both members of the People's Consultative Group that is holding talks with the Centre on behalf of ULFA.

"We requested the government to take urgent steps for the release of the jailed ULFA leaders. They took up the matter very seriously and are likely to take a decision before the June 22 meeting," Goswami told sources after the meeting.

Five senior ULFA leaders, including Pranati Deka, Ramu Mech and Mithinga Daimary, are currently being held in prisons in Assam.

Goswami said she was hopeful the third round of talks between the PCG and the government on June 22 would be 'fruitful' and prepare the grounds for direct talks with the ULFA.

The release of detainees was a key demand of the banned outfit before it starts negotiations with the government. ULFA has been saying that its 'central committee needs to be reconstituted for such talks, and this would only be possible if the jailed leaders are released.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said last month that his government had no objection to the release of ULFA leaders from jail. The state government also recommended their release after the Centre sought its views on the issue.