Friday, June 16 2006 17:48 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: The ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG) wants the banned group and the Central government to hold direct talks to settle the nearly 30-year-old militancy in Assam, a member of the panel said today (June 16, 2006).

PCG spokesman Lachit Bordoloi told sources the panel wanted the ULFA and the Centre to immediately start a 'one-to-one dialogue' so that the underground outfit could settle its problems politically.

Bordoloi said the PCG's role was limited to preparing the ground and ascertaining the 'main issues' that would be taken up during the direct talks.

Stating that most issues had been settled, he said the pending ones would be completed during the third round of talks between the PCG and the Centre on June 22 in New Delhi. "The PCG's continuous effort is for the talks to be held directly between the ULFA and the Centre. We are to only do the preparatory work for the issues that will come up during the direct discussions," Bordoloi said.

On September eight last year, ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa had nominated the 11-member PCG comprising prominent personalities. It includes Jnanpith awardee Indira Roisam Goswami, who initiated the peace process, three journalists, and noted footballer Rebati Phukan.

The PGC had initiated a series of discussions and sought people's opinion on modalities for the peace process before holding the first round of talks with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on October 25 last year.

The second round of parleys was held on February seven in New Delhi with National Security Advisor M K Narayan.