New Delhi, Jan. 13: G. Bidai, the NDFB (Songbijit) leader who ordered the December 23 carnage in Assam recently, had discussed the possibility of talks with the state government nearly a week ahead of the massacre, government sources here said.

The discussions failed and an encounter on December 21 resulted in a massacre by Bidai's men. Sources here said Bidai had been sending feelers on coming to the negotiation table for some time, which prompted the Assam police to explore the opportunity of getting the entire group.

Bidai, who hails from Bijni near Kokrajhar, had apparently got in touch with some police officials and even held a 'secret meeting' to discuss terms. Sources said the police and Bidai had held a 'tea meeting' at an unknown location in Assam.

This was reportedly not the first time that Bidai had got in touch with the police. At the time of talks with the NDFB faction led by Ranjan Daimary, it was Bidai who had got in touch with the police to begin talks.

'After that, why he left is still a mystery,' said an influential Bodo leader from Kokrajhar.

'He will meet his end,' said a senior government official.

Local sources said Bidai is accused of killing his own father and driver.

At least 30 young people have been recruited in the last year, according to sources.