Delhi gives nod to peace talks with Bodo rebels

The outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDFB) this month agreed to a ceasefire and talks offered by the Assam government. The start of talks was awaiting formal approval from the federal government.

Indian Home Minister Shivraj Patil gave his approval during a meeting in New Delhi with Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Thursday and said the central government would also participate.

"The home minister told me the government is with us. We have been asked to initiate talks and assured that the central government will give all help and support," Gogoi told AFP.

Gogoi had offered the ceasefire and talks last month to the NDFB, which is fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe in Assam, and the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa).

The NDFB accepted the offer, but the Ulfa rejected it.

However, on Friday, Ulfa's commander-in-chief Paresh Baruah was quoted by newspapers in Assam as saying the group could hold peace talks with New Delhi if the government discussed its demand for independence.

"We are not going to forsake this condition (issue of sovereignty or independence) for any possible talks with the government," Baruah said.

The rebel leader said they were in touch with noted Assamese writer Mamoni Raisom Goswami and had conveyed their stand to her on holding talks with New Delhi.

"They (the NFDB) are free to do whatever they like. Our goals are different," the Ulfa leader said.

The Ulfa, fighting for an independent homeland in Assam, was blamed for a series of bombings in Assam earlier this month.

Gogoi, still in New Delhi after his meeting with Patil, said Friday he was aware of the latest move by Ulfa.

"I was told by Goswami that the Ulfa leaders were in touch with her. We on our part said anybody helping us to bring any militant group for talks would get all our help and support," he said.

"We hope the Ulfa see reason and come for talks and accept our ceasefire offer like the NDFB," the chief minister added.

The Ulfa and the NDFB are among 30 insurgent groups in the northeast, pushing demands ranging from independent homelands to autonomy within the nation.