Guwahati / New Delhi, Feb 10 (ANI): With top United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) leaders in government custody, it appears that dialogue may be started with all groups willing to come to negotiation table.

It’s been over two months now that top ULFA commanders have been in judicial custody. The thrust now is to have a peace dialogue with the banned ULFA, so they can join the mainstream and give up violence. In the latest development, the ULFA’s pro-talk group leader Mrinal Hazirika convened a meeting the group’s central committee in Guwahati Jail. Later in a press meet he was optimistic about a change in the existing situation.

“We have been saying this for a very long time that only one person cannot decide what is going to happen. If entire Assam wants peace and if ULFA Central Committee is also talking about this, then only Paresh Baruah saying `no’ sends a negative signal to the people of Assam that this man does not wants peace and whatever he is doing is for all his personal gains,” Hazarika said.

The overwhelming sentiment in Assam is for peace and development. And, the Centre and state government have taken a step forward and invited the rebel leaders to the negotiating table.However the Centre has kept a precondition that ULFA gives up violence and its demand for sovereignty. “It is my sincere hope and appeal that those who have come back to India, who have been apprehended and who are in custody today to those leaders to come forward and hold talks with government and if they do such the government is prepared to hold talks with them,” said Union Home MinisterP. Chidambaram.”Whenever talks will take place, it will take place with dignity,” he added.

As fratricidal killings in the four Bodoland districts of Assam continue to create `uncertainty’ in the region, the Centre has shown keenness on having talks with Bodo outfits as well. The situation currently seems ripe for a `dialogue’ in Assam, as everyone wants a solution to all issues within a democratic framework.(ANI)