A day after the centre resumed military operations against insurgent outfit United Liberation Front of Asom, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi on Monday offered its leadership a chance to meet their jailed leaders.
"I can allow the ULFA leadership to consult the jailed leaders on the peace process. I have no problems if it leads to bringing peace in the state," Gogoi told reporters.
The ULFA leadership has been demanding the release from jail of five of its top leaders as one of the conditions for facilitating peace talks with the government.
Gogoi accused ULFA of not being serious enough about the peace process and of indulging in extortion and killings of civilians.
"The centre announced a unilateral suspension of operations against them hoping that it will facilitate the peace process. But during this period, the extortion and civilian killings have gone up," he said.
"I don't think the ULFA has been serious about the peace process till date. If they are really interested in Assam's welfare they should give up violence and come to the negotiating table," Gogoi said.
Asked whether ULFA used the unilateral ceasefire for regrouping, Gogoi said it was 'very difficult' to make an assessment regarding that.
More from rediff