Guwahati, Sep 29 (IANS) Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi Thursday exhorted civil society groups in the state to act as intermediaries and bring the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) for peace talks.

"The civil society has a very important role to play and they could now take the responsibility of bringing the ULFA to the negotiating table," Gogoi told reporters here.

The 16-month old peace process formally broke down Wednesday with the ULFA nominated People's Consultative Group (PCG), an 11-member team of eminent personalities, pulling out of the talks.

New Delhi Sunday called off a six-week old ceasefire with the ULFA and resumed military operations blaming the group for stepping up violence and extortions.

"I still believe the peace process has not collapsed and the recent development like the PCG pulling out is just a hiccup," Gogoi said.

"The civil society that is the true representative of the people of Assam can be an alternative to the PCG to bring the peace process back on the rails."

The chief minister said he would play the role of a facilitator and help to ensure the ULFA come for direct talks.

"I am ready to meet and discuss with the ULFA if they want to do so. Earlier the PCG ignored me and went to New Delhi to hold talks with the central government," Gogoi said.

The PCG had held three rounds of talks with New Delhi aimed at paving the way for face-to-face negotiations between the ULFA leadership and government emissaries. The PCG pulled out of the talks blaming the central government of double standards.

New Delhi wanted a written commitment from the ULFA for direct talks before releasing five of their jailed leaders.

The ULFA refused to give a fresh letter saying they had in July last year written a formal letter to the Prime Minister expressing their desire to hold talks.

The issue over the letter led to the peace process being deadlocked and ultimately breaking down.

"I am still optimistic that talks will take place," Gogoi said.