Saturday, September 2 2006 12:15 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In a setback to the peace process in Assam, the ULFA has informed the Centre that it cannot give any written commitment on holding direct talks with the Government, a mediator said yesterday (Sept 1, 2006).

"The ULFA has conveyed a message that it is not possible for it to give any written commitment on holding direct talks. We are trying to presuade them on the issue," Assamese writer Indira Goswami, who has been mediating between the ULFA and the Centre, told sources here.

ULFA's reaction came following the Government's demand for a written commitment from the banned group on three issues that it would come forward for direct talks, the parleys would be held on a particular date and it would provide the names of its representatives for the dialogue.

Goswami, however, said she did not think ULFA's refusal to give a written commitment constituted a 'setback' to the peace process in Assam.

The peace process was boosted on August 13 when the Government announced the suspension of army operations against the ULFA. The group responded five days later by announcing a cessation of hostilities.



On August 23, the Centre extended the suspension of army operations for another 15 days.

The Centre reviewed the situation in Assam during a meeting chaired here by Home Secretary V K Duggal on August 28. The meeting noted there had been no violation of the truce by the ULFA so far but army officials expressed concern over reports that the group was using the lull to regroup.