Centre-ULFA talks positive: Government

New Delhi, April 9 (IANS) Talks between a faction of the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) and the central government Monday were "constructive" and "positive", officials here said.

A five-member delegation of the pro-talks faction of ULFA leaders led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa met union Home Secretary R.K. Singh and other senior home ministry officials Monday for about an hour-and-a-half.

"The talks were constructive and positive. It was a fruitful discussion," R.K. Singh told reporters here.

"I think we have achieved very good progress in the meeting," he said.

Among the issues that were debated in the meeting include the "safeguards" to the indigenous people of Assam that was raised by the ULFA team.

But this would be discussed in detail, along with matters of centre-state ties, at the next meeting between the two sides.

Rajkhowa shared this sentiment expressed by the home secretary and said the talks were very satisfactory.

"We discussed all issues concerning Assam's peace and development. We all agreed to carry forward the dialogue process," Rajkhowa said.

Other members of the ULFA delegation were Raju Baruah, Chitraban Hazarika, Pranati Deka and Mithinga Daimary.

Assam government officials too participated in the talks.

The pro-talks faction of the outfit has been holding talks with the government of India since last year to bring lasting peace to Assam and has already submitted a 12-point charter of demands to the government.

The last round of talks between ULFA and the central government was held Oct 25 last year.