RANGIYA (ASSAM): Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that while initiatives for a ceasefire with the United Liberation Front of Assam were welcome, they should be backed by credible solutions.

"No decision has been taken for a ceasefire. Ground rules have to be prepared. It is just not possible for the Government to respond to individual requests," Mr. Mukherjee told presspersons on the last leg of his tour to the north-east. "Individual initiatives are welcome if they create an atmosphere conducive [for talks]. But it is very plain and simple: unless the ground rules are prepared, ceasefire cannot be implemented."

The questions were put in the context of a civil society organisation seeking a ceasefire with the ULFA so that the Army could lift a three-week siege of a national park in the State.

Indira Goswami, litterateur, had also earlier sought the suspension of hostilities between the ULFA and the Army.

Asked whether he would like to take the initiative for concluding a ceasefire with the ULFA, Mr. Mukherjee said: "It's not my job. I was asked to conduct anti-insurgency operations. This should be discussed with the State Government and the Union Home Minister."

On the military blockade of the Saikhowa reserve forests, he said the people were put to some inconvenience but the intention was not to put them to hardship.

Media reports had claimed that thousands of people living in the forest reserve suffered because of the blockade.

The Army, on the other hand, said that three militants were killed and "war-like" stores recovered from two camps.

Mr. Mukherjee was flanked by the Chief of the Army Staff, J.J. Singh, and the General Officer Commanding of the 4 Corps, H.S. Lidder.

Army denies report

The Army came out with a strongly worded statement, blaming the ULFA for "extortion, killings and kidnappings." It also denied media reports that the security forces had killed 12 ULFA activists during the siege.

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