Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 27
The rival NSCN (K) and GPRN/NSCN had separate meetings with Government of India representatives in Delhi on Friday to discuss on extension of ceasefire between GoI and the two Naga group respectively.
While ceasefire between the Government of India and GPRN/NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) has been extended for another year, extension of ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN (K) is yet to be finalized. Ceasefire between GoI and the two Naga outfits, first entered into in 2001 and extended on yearly basis, was due to expire Saturday (April 28).
When contacted, GPRN/NSCN ceasefire supervisory board member and ‘kilonser’ (minister) Bohoto told the Morung Express over phone from Delhi that the ceasefire between the Centre and GPRN/NSCN has been extended for another year.
On other issues discussed in the meeting besides extension of ceasefire, Bohoto said that the discussions cannot be revealed at the moment. He also informed that the GPRN/NSCN is yet to get an appointment to meet the Indian Army chief. The GPRN/NSCN members present in Friday’s meeting included CFSB convenor C Singson, chief-in-command (Naga Army) Nokpao Konyak, CFSB secretary Kedion and CFSB members Bohoto, Yimto and TV Chophy.
In a separate press note issued to the media, the GPRN/NSCN confirmed the extension of the ceasefire. A press note from the group’s MIP informed that the representatives of the Government of India and GPRN/NSCN delegation met in New Delhi and signed a Ceasefire Agreement for a period of one year.
“Although the ceasefire was signed a decade earlier and extended each year a day before the expiry, owing to the impeachment and expulsion of S.S Khaplang from GPRN/NSCN, the latest Ceasefire Agreement, although an extension upon expiry of the previous one, gives fresh impetus to both the GOI and GPRN/NSCN to be sincere in its implementation as both sides prepare to embark on a more pressing Indo-Naga political issue”, stated the MIP note.
The Ceasefire Agreement No. 9/4/2000/T, Ministry of Home Affairs, was signed by Mr. Shambu Singh, Joint Secretary, Government Of India, C Singson, Supervisor, CSFB, NSCN and Lt. Gen. M.B Neokpao Konyak, Naga Army Chief. According to the terms of agreement, the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN), Nagaland, have mutually decided to enter into a Ceasefire Agreement with effect from 28th April, 2012 to bring about a lasting peace in the state of Nagaland “with the involvement of the Naga people”.
The Ceasefire will be applicable for a period of one year with effect from 28th April, 2012 and upto 27th April, 2013. The Ceasefire Ground Rules will be subject to mutual review and amendment with the involvement of both the parties.
Meanwhile, it was reported that Friday’s meeting between NSCN (K) and Centre’s representatives could not finalize on ceasefire extension due to differences of opinions on some issues. Reliable sources said that Indian representatives have conveyed their displeasure at the NSCN (K) for signing a bilateral ceasefire agreement with Myanmar government. The Centre’s representatives had also reportedly insisted that the ‘chief of Naga army’ NSCN (K) should attend the meeting.
When contacted a member of the NSCN (K) ceasefire supervisory board said that the ceasefire extension is likely to be finalized by Saturday. The six-member NSCN (K) team is led by their CFSB supervisor Lincoln.
