Thursday, July 13 2006 18:01 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Guwahati: In the backdrop of the killing of six ULFA cadres by security forces, the Assam government today said it favoured a ceasefire with the group and the release of its jailed cadres but it should establish direct contacts with the authorities for talks to solve the insurgency problem in the state.

"There has been no direct contact with the ULFA so far even though the peace process is on. We are only negotiating with a third party," Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told the state assembly today. He was referring to the People's Consultative Group (PCG) nominated by the ULFA.

"The moment they establish contact we will release the jailed cadres as demanded and go for a ceasefire to end hostilities," Gogoi said in his reply to a discussion on the state budget.

"Incidents (like the killing of ULFA cadres) have happened, but the Centre and state government are keen to establish peace and end such hostilities for which direct contact with the outfit is necessary," he said.

He reiterated that there should be sufficient 'indication' from the ULFA that it was interested in negotiations and a ceasefire.

"We are sincere and we want talks for the sake of lasting peace, but there should be a similar gesture from the ULFA's side," Gogoi said.

Six ULFA militants four in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya and two in Assam's Nalbari district were shot dead by security forces on July 11.

Gogoi said the government was also interested in dialogue with other insurgent outfits active in the state.