Source: The Sangai Express
New Delhi, January 28:
Expressing satisfaction over the continuation of ceasefire in Nagaland for the last eight years, four former Prime Ministers today said the process will continue and a settlement on Naga insurgency problem be arrived at through negotiations.
"We are firmly of the opinion that the ceasefire must continue and that both sides must work hard to arrive at a just and honourable settlement through negotiations," former Prime Ministers VP Singh, IK Gujral, Chandra Shekhar and HD Deve Gowda said in a statement here.
"However, the last extension of the ceasefire was for a period of only six months.
This gives us a cause for some anxiety," they said adding "we, therefore, appeal to both parties to extend the ceasefire and continue the negotiations in good faith".
Crucial talks between the Indian Government and major Naga insurgent group NSCN(I-M) for extension of the current ceasefire began in Bangkok today with the extremist group insisting on Government's commitment on integration of Naga-inhabitated areas outside Nagaland.
The current spell of ceasefire between the Naga group and the Government will expire on January 31.




