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Centre open to CBMs on human rights in Assam

Special Correspondent

To consider release of ULFA leaders

NEW DELHI: The Centre agreed to examine and initiate a series of confidence building measures in Assam on the human rights front after talks here with the Peoples Consultative Group (PCG) consisting of Assamese civil society representatives on Tuesday.

Among the measures to be considered would be the release of some ULFA leaders being held in Assam and elsewhere.

Peace

The Government agreed to ask the Ministry of Home Affairs to look into the issue expeditiously. Both sides agreed that maintaining peace was a prerequisite for creating a conducive atmosphere for dialogue between the Centre and ULFA.

In Tuesday's meeting, the Government was represented by National Security Adviser M.K. Narayanan and Union Home Secretary V.K. Duggal.

All 11 members of the PCG, including Mukul Mohanta, Anup Borbora and noted litterateur Indira Goswami were present. This was the second meeting between the PCG and the Government.

Another round of talks

Both sides agreed to have another round of talks as early as possible before commencement of direct talks between the Centre and ULFA.

Difficulty

According to sources, one of the issues raised by the PCG was the need for more information about the fate of individuals reported missing after the military operations against ULFA fighters in Bhutan.

The Government said it would try to be helpful but since the matter had become sub judice following the filing of a case by the relatives of one of the missing persons, there may be some difficulty in actively taking the matter up.

Sovereignty

The issue of sovereignty was also raised by the PCG members but the NSA and Home Secretary said that while the Government was willing to discuss all matters of concern, it was too early to go into any one particular issue.

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