The United Liberation Front of Asom on Friday announced a 'cessation of hostilities' for the first time in its 27-year-old armed campaign for a separate homeland.

In an e-mail message to the media in Guwahati, ULFA chairman Arabindo Rajkhowa said the organisation 'respected the Centre's decision to suspend army operations and as a reciprocal gesture has announced cessation of hostilities.'

The Centre had on Sunday temporarily suspended all army operations against the ULFA in Assam, apparently to pave the way for direct talks with the outlawed group.

Rajkhowa hoped the ULFA's decision would bring about a atmosphere conducive to talks with the government. However, he warned 'evil forces' not to take advantage of the 'ceasefire' to malign his organisation. The ULFA's decision to stop hostilities to pave the way for talks was in line with the demands of the people of Assam at this hour, he added.