ULFA mediators meet Narayanan, Duggal

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New Delhi: The Centre is likely to extend the suspension of Army operations in Assam in order to pave the way for direct talks between the ULFA and the Centre.

In what was described as another step closer to direct talks between the banned outfit and the Centre, two key mediators negotiating on behalf of the group held parleys with National Security Advisor M K Narayanan and Union Home Secretary V K Duggal on Friday.

"It was a good meeting. It was held on a positive line. We have decided to meet again after a few days," Duggal told reporters after emerging from the hour-long meeting. The meeting was chaired by Narayanan.

Rebati Phukan, a childhood friend of ULFA supremo Paresh Barua, and noted Assamese author Indira Goswami took part in the talks as mediators. They also represented the People's Consultative Group, which was formed to initiate the talks with New Delhi on the behalf of ULFA.

"The suspension of operations by Army in Assam is likely to be extended," Rebati Phukan told journalists after the meeting.

He said the issue of release of five senior ULFA leaders also featured in the talks. He expressed hope that the Centre will soon release the senior ULFA leaders in order to facilitate a meeting among the top rung of the outfit to discuss the modalities for the peace talks.