United Liberation Front of Asom on Thursday announced a nine-member `People Consultative Group' to work out the modalities for their formal peace talks with the Centre.
A e-mail to the media in Guwahati, said eminent litterateur Indira (Mamoni) Raison Goswami and noted footballer of yesteryear Rebati Phukan will act as facilitators for the proposed talks with the Centre.
When contacted, Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi expressed happiness at the 'positive attitude' ULFA has shown.
"The proposed talks will help in ushering in permanent peace in the region and from the government's side, we welcome any such move," Gogoi said before leaving for New Delhi.
In the e-mail, ULFA Chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa said the group includes Mukul Mahanta (an engineer), Ajit Bhuyan (a journalist—editor, Aji, a local daily), Hyder Hussain (a journalist—editor, Pratidin, a local daily), Dr Brajen Gogoi and Arup Borbora (a lawyer).
Dilip Patgiri advisor to Assam Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chhatra Parishad, Diganta Konwar (a journalist), Hiranya Saikia (a prominent personality), Lachit Bordoloi (a human rights activist), are the other members of the group, Rajkhowa said.