Saturday, August 19 2006 11:05 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: Carrying forward the peace process in Assam, the Centre yesterday (Aug 18, 2006) held discussions with two mediators negotiating on behalf of ULFA on initiating direct talks with the outlawed group.

Emerging from the talks chaired by National Security Advisor M K Narayanan, Union Home Secretary V K Duggal told reporters, "It was a good meeting. It was held on positive lines and we have decided to meet again after a few days."

Sounding optimistic, the two mediators - noted writer Indira Goswami and Rebati Phukan told reporters that the two sides reviewed progress made after the last meeting on June 22 between the ULFA-nominated People's Consultative Group and the Centre.

Asked about the Centre's response to ULFA's demand for the release of five jailed leaders, Goswami said, "We are hopeful. We have been given some signals that the release may be possible."

She said the Centre's response was good and hoped the issue of release of the jailed leaders could figure at the next meeting. The Centre extended an olive branch to the ULFA on Sunday by temporarily suspending security operations against the militants.

"Phukan, a childhood friend of ULFA commander- in-chief Paresh Baruah, felt that details of the release of the five leaders should not be an issue. Their names are already with the Centre," he said.

"Yesterday's talks are being viewed as a precursor to bringing the ULFA to the negotiating table, " he said.

To a question whether there was a deadlock, Goswami said, "We have laid the foundation and there is no deadlock. We will come back again (for talks)."