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Govt indicates extension of ceasefire
to Naga inhabited areas

"The response from Assam and Manipur Chief Ministers P K Mahanta and Radhabinod Koijam were positive," Home Minister L K Advani told reporters after the two Chief Ministers held separate meetings with him and Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

"But it has been made categorically clear that the extension of ceasefire would not mean accepting any claim over these areas by Naga groups," Advani said.

The two Chief Ministers met Vajpayee and discussed matters concerning the region.

NSCN (IM), which has been holding talks with Centre since 1997 and opposing inclusion of any other Naga group in the peace process, has been pressing the Centre for extension of the ceasefire in all Naga inhabited areas in the region - and this covers parts of Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

The development assumes significance in the light of the Centre's move to broadbase the peace process in Nagaland.

Home Ministry sources had indicated last week Centre's move to enter into formal ceasefire with NSCN (K) and NFG.

"I was invited for the meeting," Assam Chief minister P K Mahanta said after his meeting with Prime Minister, which was attended among others by Advani and senior government officials.

Refusing to divulge details of the deliberations, Mahanta merely said, "Whether it is ceasefire or anything else we would welcome it if it contributes towards ensuring peace and stability in the northeast."

Asked to specify his views on announcement of any truce with the United Liberation Front of Asom and Bodo militants in Assam, Mahanta said, "It was a general discussion on the overall situation in the region."

Earlier in the day, Manipur Chief Minister Koijam met Vajpayee and discussed with him for about half an hour matters relating to peace efforts.

Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Mukut Mithi also held a meeting with the prime minister.

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