India agrees to rebel group talks

Rebels have been fighting Indian forces for more than two decades

The Indian government and the United Liberation Front of Assam (Ulfa) are to hold "direct talks" in an attempt to being peace to Assam.

The agreement was made during a meeting on Thursday with the People's Consultative Group (PCG), an 11-member group representing Ulfa.

Ulfa is the largest separatist group in the north-eastern Assam state.

Central Home Minister Shivraj Patil and officials of the Indian home ministry took part in Thursday's meeting.

A joint statement issued afterwards said that both sides would work out the "modalities" for holding the talks through "mutual consultations".

However, the BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta said that they did not specify any time-frame.

'Peaceful atmosphere'

Thursday's talks were the third round of negotiations between the Indian government and the PCG, which consists of human rights activists, lawyers and journalists.

Central Home Secretary VK Duggal said the PCG has "facilitated direct talks" with the Ulfa.

The joint statement quoted the government as calling on the rebels to "create a peaceful atmosphere in Assam, which will be conducive to holding talks".

The government also said it would consider "favourably" the release of five Ulfa leaders in consultation with the Assam government.

The Ulfa is one of the most powerful separatist groups fighting Indian security forces in the north-east of India.

It has been fighting for an independent state for more than 25 years and thousands of people have been killed on both sides.