BLT truce extended

GUWAHATI, Jan 21— The ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) has been extended by a period of six months with effect from January 8. The earlier cease-fire agreement between the government and the Bodo militant outfit came to an end today. A Ministry of Home Affairs release said that the deferment of the ban on the BLT under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act 1967 will continue for a period of six months beyond January 8, 2002. The suspension of operations by the security forces against the BLT members will also continue during this period. The release said that the 14th round of tripartite talks between the Government of India, Government of Assam and the BLT was conducted by Dr PD Shenoy, Special Secretary (NE) of the MHA. The Government of India was represented in the talks by Surendra Kumar, joint secretary (NE) of the MHA, and J Vir Singh, Director (NE) of the MHA, while the State government was represented by PP Verma, Commissioner, Lower Assam Division and JSL Vashava, Commissioner, WPT and BC and IGP (SB), K Sarma, and BLT by their vice-chairman Kamal Mushahary, secretary Derhachat Basumatary and publicity secretary Mainoo Daimary. The meeting formed a drafting sub-committee to prepare set of proposals, the release added.