PC Haldar to assist in talks with ULFA

New Delhi, June 17 (ANI): Former Director of Intelligence Bureau, PC Haldar has been made available to Assam Government to act as interlocutor for talks with the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA).

According to an official release, Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi, who held a meeting with Home Minister P Chidamabaram here has suggested Haldar's name.

"I requested home minister to appoint P.C. Haldar as he has the experience to deal with such matters," Gogoi said.

Haldar is already involved in the peace process with other militant outfits in northeast including the Dima Halam Daogah, the National Democratic Front of Bodoland, the United People's Democratic Solidarity and the Karbi Longri North Cacher Hills Liberation Front.

Gogoi also said that he might go ahead with the talks sans elusive ULFA 'commander-in-chief' Paresh Baruah as the government cannot wait for him very long.

Gogoi said they would consider the demands of rebel groups only if they fall within the ambit of the Constitution of India.

Earlier, he briefed Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on his government's preparedness to hold dialogue with ULFA.

Earlier, on May 26, Gogoi had proposed to hold talks with all rebel groups.

The ULFA, which has accused New Delhi of ignoring its needs and polluting Assam's culture, has been battling for the independence of 26 million people in the tea- and oil-rich state since 1979.

More than 20 militant groups operate in the northeast region. (ANI)