India: Talks with Bodos haven't started

NEW DELHI, May 8 (UPI) -- India's Interior Ministry said peace talks with the outlawed National Democratic Front of Bodoland have yet to begin.

The announcement came a day after the group, which is active in Assam state, announced plans for a massive rally Saturday, The Assam Tribune newspaper reported Thursday.

The ministry's announcement was a bid to clear confusion over the status of talks with the rebel group.

The Assam state government's discomfort over the issue may also be one reason for the ministry's comments, media reports said.

An Interior Ministry official said the meeting held May 1 in New Delhi with the militant group was not part of the political dialogue process.