Central government welcomes ULFA ceasefire

The Centre and the Assam government on Wednesday welcomed the unilateral ceasefire announced by ULFA's pro-talk faction in Assam and said an agreement with the banned outfit to suspend operations to facilitate early talks will be signed.

Paresh Barua, heading the ULFA's anti-talk faction rejected the ceasefire declared by Arabindo Rajkhowa-led group on Tuesday to ensure a peaceful atmosphere for political negotiations.

"The ceasefire declared by Chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa is against the ULFA's constititution and we refuse to accept it," Barua said.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said the centre has always expressed its willingness to hold a dialogue with any militant group that abjures violence, lays down arms and seeks a solution through peaceful democratic means.

"The Government of India welcomes the announcement made by the ULFA," he said in New Delhi.

The Home Minister said it was expected that a Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement will be signed and ground rules for observing the agreement will be finalised soon.

"The Government of India in consultation with Government of Assam will facilitate an early start to the talks," he said.

ULFA leaders, including Rajkhowa, had recently met Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chidambaram and expressed their desire to seek a political solution to their demands.

The Assam government said it welcomed Rajkhowa's initiative to come forward for peace talks with the government and will take all steps to facilitate the peace talks.