ULFA offers direct talks with Centre

GUWAHATI: An outlawed separatist rebel group on Saturday offered direct talks with the Indian government to end decades of violence in the northeastern state of Assam.

"We are satisfied with the progress made in talks between the government of India and our representatives," the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) said in a statement here.

"The sincerity shown by the government to bring a lasting solution to the problem in Assam has given us hope," it said. 

The ULFA said it awaited the release of five of its imprisoned leaders in line with a pledge made at talks its representatives held last month with the Indian government.

"We hope the assurances given by the Indian government become a reality to pave the way for direct talks," ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa said in the statement.