Bangkok, July 31 (PTI): Giving a fresh impetus to the ongoing peace process, the Government and NSCN (IM) today agreed to extend ceasefire in Nagaland by one more year and promised to move “expeditiously” discussing all “substantive” issues for a lasting solution to the country’s oldest insurgency problem.
“Both the sides have agreed to extend the ceasefire for another year. It is a historical moment for both the Government and the NSCN (IM),” chief government negotiator and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes told PTI here.
The agreement for the ceasefire was signed by interlocutor for the Naga talks K Padmanabhiah and NSCN (IM) General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah.
In a joint communiqué issued immediately after the three-day parleys, the two sides said given the need to “move expeditiously with the discussions on substantive issues” to reach an early settlement, it was agreed to extend the ceasefire for one year with effect from August 1, 2006”.
“With respect to the ceasefire, both sides agreed to strengthen the ceasefire monitoring mechanism. It was also agreed that any proposal in this regard to be tabled by the NSCN (IM) would be decided upon promptly,” it said.
The statement also said substantive issues were discussed and the two sides expressed satisfaction over the progress made in the talks. “We have had substantive discussions during the talks and the peace process was proceeding in right direction,” Fernandes said.
During the parleys, the Group of Ministers headed by Fernandes had promised to take up all “relevant” issues raised by the rebels with the Government.
“We will take up the relevant issues with the Government,” Fernandes said.
Rio hopeful of definite outcome
DIMAPUR, JULY 31 (MExN): Giving a positive response to the one year period of ceasefire extension between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM), Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio hoped that both parties will seriously apply themselves with a greater sense of urgency to expedite the peace process and come out with a definite and positive result before the expiry of the extended ceasefire period. “I, on my own behalf and on behalf of the Government of Nagaland and people of Nagaland, welcomes the extension of the ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) by a further period of one year”, stated Rio in a press communiqué. Rio pointed out that the result of the ceasefire extension showed the concern and desire of both parties to the peace talk for maintenance of peace and non-violence in the State, in spite of many hurdles in the progress of the on-going peace talks and the peace process itself. “It also shows their commitment to find solution to the more than 5 decade old problem through peaceful means”, Rio stated.
