Mukesh Ranjan

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, April 19Keeping in view the ongoing talks with Naga groups after the Centre signed an accord with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland- Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) in August last year, the Modi government here today decided to extend the ceasefire agreement with two other insurgent outfits – the NSCN-Khole Kitovi and the NSCN-Reformation for one year.The extension of the ceasefire will come in effect from April 28, the date when the existing agreement expires. The Centre’s chief interlocutor for talks with the Naga groups, RN Ravi continued to engage with the two militant groups, sources in the MHA said, adding that the two groups, both breakaway NSCN factions, had been in talks with the government after signing a ceasefire agreement a few years ago.Former interlocutor of the Centre RS Panday said, “The process is a continuous exercise and unless all the Naga factions are taken on board, no lasting peace could be achieved in the North East. It was during my tenure that all the peace contours were finalised with the NSCN-IM and so was the accord. It is good that the government has extended the ceasefire and engaging with other groups too.”The government had signed a historic peace accord with the NSCN-IM on August 3 last year. This was announced at an event at 7, Race Course Road, here in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and NSCN (IM) General Secretary, Thuingaleng Muivah.