Violence may end in Nagaland

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, AUG. 20. The resumption of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) by the Centre and the NSCN(I-M) would put an end to violence and extortion plaguing the northeastern State. The Centre expects the talks to lead to a conducive atmosphere for political talks.

Talks had broken off after the Government expressed its ``deep concern'' at the continuing violation of the ceasefire by the NSCN(I-M) which led to 536 deaths even after the ceasefire was announced in August `97. Of these, 165 persons lost their lives in inter-factional killings and 211 civilians were caught in cross-fire.

The current ceasefire between the Government and the NSCN (I-M) has been extended for one year with effect from August this year. It was also agreed at the Dimapur meeting and subsequent interactions that the ``agreed ground rules'' for the ceasefire will be implemented in letter and spirit. Talks are currently going on with NSCN (I-M) to make changes in the agreed cease-fire ground rules. The request for modifications were made by the Centre as well as the Nagaland Government.

The Dimapur meeting was the first instance of intermediary-level talks between the two sides after seven months. The NSCN (I-M) leaders were led Mr. V.S. Atem and the Union Home Ministry delegation was led by the Special Secretary, Mr. R.D. Kapoor.

Meanwhile in Manipur, the Chief Minister, Mr. Wahengbam Nipamacha Singh would seek clarification from the Centre whether the ceasefire between it and the NSCN (I-M) extended to Manipur, official sources said today.

Although Mr. Singh, who left for Delhi today, was to attend a financial meeting he would discuss the issue with the Union Home Minister, Mr. L.K. Advani, sources said. The Manipur Cabinet, decided to oppose any move to extend the ceasefire between the NSCN(I-M) and the Union Government to ``any part of Manipur including the Naga-inhabited hill districts.''

- PTI

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