The Centre convens a high- level meeting next month to chalk out its strategy on possible talks with ULFA. To be chaired by Home Minister P Chidambaram the meeting will be participated by Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi along with the top officials. The meeting is expected to work out modalities for future talks with ULFA.

According tio Union Home Ministry, the date of the crucial meet will be fixed in a day or two. The move assumes significance in view of the fact that the entire top leadership of ULFA, barring its military wing Chief Paresh Baruah, are currently in jails. According to sources, the government is considering a proposal to release two jailed ULFA top guns on parole to expedite the peace process. The Centre has already made it clear that it was ready to hold talks with the ULFA if the outfit shuns violence and give up its demand for sovereignty of Assam. ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa, who was arrested along with some other leaders along Indo-Bangladesh border in December 2009 had, however, said there can be no talks with "handcuffs on".

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