Saturday, August 19 2006 10:31 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Welcoming ULFA's decision to declare a truce in Assam as a 'major announcement' for the peace process in the state, noted writer and mediator Indira Goswami yesterday (Aug 18, 2006) said the move paved the way for direct talks between the group and the Centre.

"I am extremely happy. It's a major announcement. I hope the direct talks will be held within a month now," Goswami, who has been mediating between the Centre and ULFA, told sources here.

The Asom Gana Parishad also welcomed the cessation of hostilities by the banned group, saying the announcement would bring peace to the violence-hit state.

"We welcome the announcement. It is a significant development. We hope direct negotiations between the Centre and the ULFA will now be held very soon," AGP MP Arun Sarma said.

Former Assam chief minister and Congress MP Syeda Anwara Taimur described the ULFA's announcement as a 'good development'.

"The outfit has responded positively to the Centre's peace initiative. There should be no hurdles for direct talks now," said Taimur, whose party is in power in Assam.

The ULFA today announced a 'cessation of hostilities' for the first time in its 27-year armed campaign for a separate homeland.

The Centre had on Sunday temporarily suspended army operations against the group in Assam, apparently to pave the way for direct talks.