Ex-PMs appeal for extension of Naga ceasefire

Four former prime ministers today said that the continuing ceasefire in Nagaland would lead to a settlement of the issue through dialogue.

‘‘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 negotiation,’’ former PMs V P Singh, I K Gujral, Chandra Shekhar and H D Deve Gowda said in a statement here. ‘‘The last extension of the ceasefire was for a period of only six months. This gives us a cause for some anxiety,’’ they said. ‘‘We appeal to both parties to extend the ceasefire and continue the negotiations in good faith.’’

Talks between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) over extending the current ceasefire began in Bangkok today.