'We Oppose The Ceasefire'

The Assam government caught unawares by the Centre's reported move to extendthe Nagaland ceasefire to three neighbouring states of Assam, Arunachal Pradeshand Manipur, has decided to lodge a strong protest with New Delhi over theissue.Assam Chief minister Tarun Gogoi had told newspersons immediately after beingsworn in last Friday that his government would oppose any such move by theCentre.

PTI adds

Assam chief minister Tarun Gogoi today declared his government's intention toinitiate a "politicial dialogue" with ULFA and other extremists in abid to solve the state's long standing insurgency problem but opposed theextension of the peace process with nagaland insurgents beyond that state'sborders.

Gogoi told newsmen here that people from all walks of life would be roped into persuade the ultras to come to the negotiating table.

Stating that the centre had not informed the state government about anyproposal to extend the ceasefire with NSCN (I-M) in the Naga-inhabited areasbeyond Nagaland, he said, "we are opposed to such a ceasefire and theprevious goverment was also against it".

"I have not been informed about the extension. The centre should not goto that extent without taking the state government's opinion intoconsideration," he added.

Gogoi asked the media play a positive role in the talks process between thegovernment and the ultras.

For controlling the infiltration into the state from Bangladesh, Gogoi said,the problem could be tackled by compulsory registration of birth and death,apart from introducing photo-identity cards.

Naga inhabited areas beyond Nagaland include a disputed area with Assam,North Cachar Hill district, four districts in Manipur and Tirap and Changlanddistricts in Arunachal Pradesh.