(a) the organisation with whom Union Government have entered into ceasefire agreements in the country;
(b) the details of each of such ceasefire agreements alongwith ground rules, monitoring system etc; and
(c) the policy of the Government in respect of ceasefire agreements with armed outfits in general?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ( I.D. SWAMI )
(a)&(b): Union Government have entered into ceasefire agreements with National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I/M faction) [NSCN(I/M)] on 25th July, 1997 and with Khaplang faction [NSCN(K)] on 28th April, 2001. Ceasefire agreement with NSCN(I/M) is monitored by a ceasefire monitoring group (CFMG) with a chairman and representatives from Union Government, State Government and NSCN(I/M). Ceasefire with NSCN(K) is monitored by a Ceasefire Supervisory Board with a chairman and representatives from Union Government, State Government and NSCN(K). In Assam, the Bodo Liberation Tiger (BLT) declared unilateral suspension of its operations against the Security Forces w.e.f. 14th July, 1999. Union Home Minister announced suspension of operations by the security forces against the BLT in the Parliament on 15th March, 2000. Details of `Agreed Ground Rules` are at Annexure I,II and III.
(c): Government is committed to restoration of peace in the North East and has extended an invitation to all those who have strayed from the paths of togetherness give up the path of violence and to come forward for talks within the four corners of our Constitution.
ANNEXURE-I
AGREED GROUND RULES FOR CEASE-FIRE BETWEEN GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND NSCN (IM) REVISED.
With a view to make the Ceasefire more effective and to create a proper and conductive atmosphere for a peaceful and meaningful political dialogue, further discussions between the representative of Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland were held recently. Both the sides noted that the Cease Fire which was agreed to on 25th July, 1997 with Agreed Ground Rules finalized on 12th December, 1997 is valid upto 31.7.2001.
Main features of the Revised Agreed Ground Rules for Cease Fire finalized on 13th January, 2001 would be as follows:-
(a) NSCN would not undertake offensive operations like ambush, raid sniping, and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property. NSCN would also act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population. There would be no blockade of roads and communications, disruption of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services by the NSCN.
(b) NSCN will notify list of all its camps to the CFMG who after due consultation, would declare them as the designated camps. In the interest of promoting peace process, there would be no parading (either in groups or individually) of NSCN cadres in uniform and/or with arms. For the present, this would cover all populated areas, public transport and Highways;
(c) For the movement of NSCN armed cadres from one designated camp to another, the concerned Army/Para Military Forces post would be given prior intimation. While proceeding through a village, the arms will be concealed. The modalities of this would be finalised in the CFMG. Persons from NSCN requiring to move frequently will have photo identity cards, which would be issued in the format mutually agreed upon. These identity cards, not to exceed 60 at present, would be
issued by the NSCN and be countersigned by the Chairman, CFMG. The holder of these identity cards would, for their personal security, be entitled to have one NSCN armed cadre each accompany them at all times. The weapons would be carried in a concealed fashion.
(d) The concern that forcible collection of money on essential supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials were taken place was denied by the NSCN. However, in the interest of promoting the peace process, the NSCN representatives agreed that the above activities would be prevented.
(e) On the reports of forced recruitment of armed cadres the NSCN representatives stated that they have not and do not resort to forced recruitment. However, in the interest of promoting the peace process, it was agreed that if there are any reports of forced recruitment, they should be discussed in the Monitoring Group`
(f) It is mutually agreed that no safe haven or sanctuary or assistance to any armed group or elements will be provided by anyone. No new Armed Forces Post would be set up within two kms of a designated camp;
(g) There would be no offensive operations by the Security Forces against the NSCN and that the Security Forces would act in a manner as not to cause harassment/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population however, patrolling by the Security Forces would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as hithertofore but patrolling within 1 km of NSCN designated camps will be carried out with populated areas, and/or near Highways, SF posts. Protection of convoys and patrolling roads would continue to be undertaken by the Security Forces;
(h) For implementation of the ground rules, it was agreed that modalities will be monitored by a group constituted for this purpose comprising of representatives of NSCN, NGOs and representatives nominated by the Government of India. However, it was also agreed that any accidental encounter or violation should not be allowed to jeopardize the peace process and the effect of any such incident should be localised through mutual consultations. All cases of violation of these ground rules would be referred to the Monitoring Groups, so that the reasons for violation are identified and steps to be taken to prevent such violation in future are suggested. Notwithstanding the above, the Security Forces will act in an impartial and unbiased manner against any group causing public disturbances or when there is imminent danger to public safety peace.
ANNEXURE-II
TEXT OF CEASE - FIRE GROUND RULES AGREED UPON BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA AND THE NATIONAL SOCIALIST COUNCIL OF NAGALAND(K).
Discussions were held at Delhi on 10th and 11th April 2001 between the representatives of Government of India (GOI) and the representatives of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). In pursuance of these discussions held between GOI`s representatives led by Dr.P.D. Shenoy and representatives of National Socialist Council of Nagaland led by Mr. Tongmeth Wangnao Konyak, it is agreed that for strengthening peace, the following ground rules will be observed by both sides :-
(a) These ground rules will be valid only for the State of Nagaland.
(b) Enforcement of the ground rules will be the responsibility of the GOI. The GOI and the NSCN will jointly implement the ground rules. Contentious issues relating to the implementation of the ground rules will be resolved by a Cease-Fire Supervisory Board(CFSB) comprising five representatives each of GOI and NSCN and a Chairman to be nominated by the GOI.
(c) The NSCN would not undertake offensive operations like ambush, raid, sniping and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property or injury to the civilian population.
(d) There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, Paramilitary Forces and the Police. However, the Government of India reserves its right to continue operations against all other militant groups who are not a party to the `ceasefire`.
(e) NSCN will notify to the CFSB, the list of all their camps. The CFSB would, after due scrutiny, finalise the list of the `designated camps` where all the armed cadres of the NSCN would be located within three months.
(f) In the interest of promoting the peace process; there would be no movement in uniform and /or with arms outside `designated camps`.
(g) Movement of NSCN cadres from one `designated camp` to another will be carried out for mutually agreed purposes and with intimation to the Security Forces and CFSB. The modalities of this would be finalized by the CFSB.
(h) The NSCN would refrain from blockade of roads and communications and from any activity which would disturb the functioning of local and State Governments and of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services.
(i) The NSCN will refrain from extending any form of support or assistance to other militant groups.
(j) During the course of the ceasefire, the NSCN will refrain from acquiring any additional arms/ammunition/military equipment.
(k) The NSCN will refrain from extortions, forcible collection of money and supplies and intimidation of individuals including Government officials.
(l) The NSCN will refrain from forcible recruitment of armed cadres.
(m) Patrolling by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and the Police would continue to prevent infiltraiton of militants and arms as hithertofore. However, patrolling within one km of the `designated camps` decided after due consultation in the Cease-Fire Supervisory Board (CFSB) will be carried out, with intimation to them. It is noted that no such camps are located/will be located in populated areas, and/or near Highways, Indian Army/Para Military Forces posts, Police Station/Police Posts etc.
(n) Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, Para Military Forces and Police.
(o) Security Forces will retain the right to enforce ensures necessary to uphold the laws of the land and prevent any disturbance to peace.
ANNEXURE-III
AGREED GROUND RULES FOR SUSPENSION OF OPERATIONS BETWEEN THE SECURITY FORCES AND THE BODO LIBERATION TIGERS (BLT).
The Union Home Minister has made an announcement on suspension of operations by Security Forces against the BLT in both the Houses of the Parliament on March 15, 2000. In pursuance of this decision taken by the Central Government in consultation with the Government of Assam, a tripartite meeting among the representatives of the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the BLT took place at New Delhi on March 28-29, 2000. The official team led by Dr. P.D. Shenoy, Additional Secretary (Home), Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India have had talks with the representatives of the BLT led by Chimang Brahma @ Chandan @ Kamal Muchahary, Vice Chairman, BLT to pave the way for lasting peace and to build up a conducive atmosphere for further discussions to peacefully resolve the problems relating to the Bodos.
2. Both sides have agreed to suspension of operations w.e.f. March 15, 2000.
3. The ground rules mutually agreed upon are as follows:
i. The BLT (a) will completely abjure the path of violence; (b) will not engage in violent or unlawful activities like killings, injuries; kidnappings, extortions, intimidation, carrying of arms in public etc.; and (c) agree to abide by the Constitution of India and the laws of the land.
ii. The Security Forces (the Army, Para-Military Forces and the State Police) will not launch operations against the BLT.
iii. Both sides also agreed to set up a Joint Monitoring Group (JMG) comprising the representatives of the Government of India, the Government of Assam and the BLT to oversee the suspension of operations.
iv. The composition of JMG is annexed.
v. The suspension of operations is initially agreed upon for a period of 6 months w.e.f. March 15, 2000. The suspension of operations may be extended by mutual agreement thereafter.
ANNEXURE
The agreed ground rules envisage composition of Joint Monitoring Group.
The composition of the JMG is as follows:
(a) Joint Secretary (NE), MHA- Chairman-cum-Convener.
(b) Two representatives of MHA.
(c) Representative of the Army to be intimated by AHQ.
(d) Representative of CRPF to be intimated by DG (CRPF).
(e) Two representatives of the Government of Assam to be intimated by Chief Secretary, Assam.
(f) Two representative of the BLT.
The meetings of JMG may be held once in two months in routine or earlier if some emergency arises. Chairman may decide the venue of the meeting.