December 04, 2001

‘5’

       The Government is committed to restoration of peace in the North East and has therefore extended an invitation to all those who have strayed from the paths of togetherness to give up the path of violence and to come forward for talks within the four corners of our Constitution.

        Government has entered into ceasefire agreement with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) faction (NSCN-IM) on 25^th July, 1997 and the ceasefire is in operation. Negotiations between the Representative of Government of India and NSCN (IM) are continuing.

        The Government has also entered into a ceasefire agreement with the Khapland faction NSCN(K) on 28^th April, 2001 for a period of one year.

        In Assam, the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) unilaterally suspended its operations w.e.f. July 14, 1999. The Union Home Minister made a statement in both the Houses of Parliament on March 15, 2000 about the suspension of operations by security forces against BLT. The tripartite peace talks involving the representatives of the Central Government, the Government of Assam and the BLT are continuing.

        This information was given by the Minister of State for Home, Shri I..D. Swami in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.