Unilateral ceasefire begins in Manipur

GUWAHATI, March 3: Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam's first gambit in Manipur, a month-long unilateral ceasefire against separatist guerrillas in the state, began on Thursday. The move is being seen as an attempt by the government in the insurgency-hit state to build up public opinion in favour of peace and get the rebels to the negotiating table. The truce, coinciding with the Manipuri festival of colours called Yaoshang that begins next week, will apply to as many as 17 militant groups in the state that shares a porous border with Myanmar. "We are keen to evolve a negotiated and peaceful solution to the insurgency problem in Manipur. The ceasefire offered by us is our first attempt in this direction," Chief Minister Koijam said by telephone from Imphal. There are no reports yet of the rebel groups reacting or agreeing to reciprocate the government's truce announcement. Koijam said the duration of the ceasefire could be further extended if the rebels come up with a positive response. The government's olive branch includes safe passage to all militants to meet their family members "without arms and ammunition" during the festival. Interestingly, it was the Army which first announced a 15-day Holi truce in Manipur beginning March 1. A day later, Chief Minister Koijam hurriedly convened a meeting of his Cabinet and then announced a month-long ceasefire. An Army commander, however, said troops would respond in self-defence and challenge anybody found extorting or indulging in violence during the ceasefire period. Moreover, rebels will not be allowed to don camouflage uniforms and move about with weapons during the ceasefire period, the Army official said on condition of anonymity. "If Army and Assam Rifles personnel are attacked, they will, retaliate in appropriate military manner…we hope the underground rebels would respect the peace opportunity offered," Major-General Iqbal Singh, commander of a Mountain Division engaged in counter-insurgency operations in Manipur, had said. Manipur, with a population of two million, is among the worst-hit by insurgency in the Northeast where at least 17 separatist guerrilla groups operate with demands ranging from secession to greater autonomy and the right to self-determination. Some of the state's influential rebel groups include the United National Liberation Front (UNLF), the People's Liberation Army (PLA), the People's Revolutionary Party of Kangleipak (PREPAK), besides tribal outfits like the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) and the Kuki National Army (KNA).