An Indian army commander says it is time for the Indian government to begin peace talks with separatist rebels in the north-eastern state of Assam.

The commander, Lieutenant General H.R.S. Kalkat, said the rebels were weaker than ever before.

He said it was known that the main groups - the United Liberation Front of Assam ULFA and the National Democratic Front of Bodoland NDFB - were finding it difficult to raise funds for their armed campaign and had lost much of their bargaining power.

Military officials have told the BBC that efforts are underway to open negotiations.