GUWAHATI: The Centre extended the ceasefire agreement with the break-away faction of the Naga insurgency group NSCN (K) Nikki, for an additional year.
The ceasefire, originally initiated in September 2021, will now remain effective from September 9, 2023, to September 7, 2024, according to a statement issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Wednesday.
A key meeting took place in New Delhi, where Cabinet Minister Piyush Goel met with representatives of the militant outfit, including Abel Zingur Theur and Ukete Z Chophey from the Ceasefire Supervisory Board (CFSB).
“The ceasefire will be subject to adherence to the Ceasefire Ground Rules mutually agreed to and signed by the two sides. The Ceasefire Ground Rules will be subject to mutual review and amendment with the involvement of both the parties,” the statement read. The extension aims to foster lasting peace in Nagaland, involving the Naga people.
The NSCN (K) faction, led by Niki Sumi, initially entered into a ceasefire with the Government of India on September 8, 2021, following its split from the NSCN (K) in 2019.
The faction has been in the spotlight due to its alleged involvement in a 2015 incident in Manipur where 18 Indian Army soldiers lost their lives. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has offered a reward of Rs 10 lakh for information leading to Sumi’s apprehension in connection with the case.
