IT  was a cautious but impressive beginning. After 27 years, Centre and People’s Consltative Grop (PCG) constituted by United Liberation Front of  Asom (ULFA) finally took a positive step forward towards bringing back peace in Assam.

In a meeting held recently in Delhi between the Centre and PCG, Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh expressed the Centre’s readiness to discuss with ULFA all issues bothering the people of Assam. The Prime Minister also hinted that the Centre was ready to politically  settle the conflict with the insurgent group within the framework of Indian Constitution. A candid Dr Singh said, “I am ready to discuss all issues which are bothering the people of Assam. But I am a servant of the Constitution and you should understand the complexities of the Indian polity.’’

The meeting  held at the Prime Minister’s 7, Race Course Road residence lasted more than two hours and was attended by National Security Advisor M. K. Narayanan, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, top officials of the Union Home Ministry, the nine-member PCG, Jnanpith Award winner Indira Goswami and noted footballer of yesteryears Rebati Phukan. Dr Goswami and Mr Phukan are facilitating talks between the two sides. The talks were held in congenial and friendly atmosphere, according to a government release.

“The group must shed violence and begin a glorious chapter in the history of Assam,’’ the Prime Minister said. Dr. Singh also thanked Dr Goswami for    facilitating talks between the Centre and the PCG.. The PCG was led by Mukul Mahanta, a retired engineer and seniormost member of the group. PCG member and spokesperson of the group, Arup Borbora, son of former Assam chief minister Golap Borbora told reporters  after the meeting that discussions were fruitful and the Centre was ready to discuss all issues with ULFA for a politcal settlement of the long-standing problem.

“Things are proceeding in the right direction for a lasting peace in Assam and all issues would be settled politically,’’ said Mr Borbora, son of former Assam CM Golap Borbora. Similar type of discussions would be held in the near future to prepare the groundwork for political negotiations between the Centre and ULFA, he said. ‘’We expressed our viewpoints and the Centre put forward its viewpoints... the meeting was held in a very congenial atmosphere.’’    ‘’Discussions were free and frank and there were heart-to-heart talks,’’ Mr Borbora said, adding this would form the basis of future talks.

Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi said, ‘’The Prime Minister is very keen to end violence and ensure peace and propesrity in Assam and elsewhere in the North-East.’’ “Dr Singh said he was ready to discuss all issues with ULFA within the Indian Constitution for a permanent settlement of the issue,’’ Mr Gogoi said. ‘’This is a positive step and a good beginning,’’ the Chief Minister asserted, adding this would enable facilitate political dialogue with the proscribed group.

Other PCG members are Lachit Bordoloi (human rights activist), Ajit Bhuyan (editor, Aji), Haider Hussain (editor, Asomiya Pratidin), Brajen Gogoi (doctor), Dilip Patgiri (adviser to the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuba Chatra Parishad), Diganta Konwar (journalist) and Hiranya Saikia (sports organiser).

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