Ceasefire extension boosts hopes for Naga peace

guwahati: the extension of the ceasefire between the centre and the khaplang faction of the national socialist council of nagaland (nscn-k) has spurred further hopes of peace in strife-torn nagaland. union home minister l k advani announced the ceasefire extension by one more year with effect from april 28 in lok sabha on friday. this was welcomed by all sections in this north-eastern state.chief minister s c jamir, in a statement, thanked the prime minister and the home minister for their efforts to ensure peace in nagaland. "the extension of the ceasefire agreement for another year with the nscn(k) indicates their concern to settle the naga political issue through discussions and consultations with all sections of the naga society," he said. according to jamir, following the ceasefire with the nscn(i-m) in 1997 and with the nscn(k) in 2001, comparative peace has prevailed in the state and "the people have genuine reasons to be optimistic that a settlement of the vexed naga political problem is possible." he also reiterated that the state government, on its part, would continue to ensure that "the present climate of peace brings the fruits of socio-economic development to the people." on its part, the nscn(k), in a release issued from its oking headquarters, expressed satisfaction on the progress made so far in implementing the ceasefire and welcomed its extension by another year. a faxed statement issued by ghukato assumi, secretary-in-charge of "the ministry of kilo (home), government of the people''s republic of nagaland", said that his organisation was hopeful that this ceasefire would lead the nagas to "a new essence and rightful living." hoping that the ceasefire extension would bring about "a meaningful and political settlement to this ongoing struggle", assumi commented: "this bilateral ceasefire, a political recognition between the two sides, will not be a hide-and-seek but a realistic one and a contribution from the nagas of all walks." many other political parties and organisations have also welcomed the ceasefire extension. former nagaland chief minister and opposition leader, k l chisi, said over telephone from dimapur: "it''s a very good move. i hope it will bring peace in nagaland." bjp leader ato yepthomi also welcomed the extension, pointing out: "ours was the first political party, which took a serious initiative in talking with the extremists. there is a sign of peace and relief amongst the people in nagaland now after the ceasefire extension. we hope all other insurgent groups in the northeast will follow this example and come forward for dialogue with the government." reverend zhabu terhuja, general secretary of the powerful nagaland baptist church council (nbcc), while appreciating the centre''s gesture also appealed to various factions of naga rebels to extend the ceasefire to each other. chairman of the ceasefire monitoring group, lt general r v kulkarni, on the other hand, said that the ceasefire was the first requirement for peace in nagaland. "all the factions and the public at large are happy with the steps taken by the centre to restore peace in the state", he said over telephone from kohima.