Army silent on extension of festival truce

IMPHAL, March 16: The Army today kept mum on the possibility of extending the duration of the festival ceasefire in Manipur. However, sources said Army officials had already informed Chief Minister Radhabinod Koijam about their intention to keep military operations suspended for some more time. General-officer-commanding, 57 Mountain Division, Maj. Gen. Iqbal Singh, had announced suspension of military operations by both the Army and the Assam Rifles for 15 days, beginning March 1. The goodwill gesture was made on account of the Yaoshang (Holi) festival. The 15-day period ended yesterday, but there was no indication today of the Army and Assam Rifles resuming counter-insurgency operations. The Koijam-led People's Front government had also announced a monthlong unilateral ceasefire on account of the Yaoshang festival. The truce announced by the government will be in force till March 31. The Army may be prompted to toe the government's line because resumption of counter-insurgency operations will send confusing signals to both the rebel leadership and the people. Though extension of the ceasefire is almost certain, Army commanders based in different areas of the state are yet to receive any order from the 57 Mountain Division headquarters at Masimpur near Silchar. Sources said Maj. Gen. Singh was in New Delhi, which was why the relevant order had not been issued. Army and Assam Rifles officials stationed here declined to comment on the issue, saying that only the 57 Mountain Division headquarters was authorised to announce extension of the ceasefire. The Chief Minister today convened an all-party meeting to discuss the law and order situation and the outcome of the Yaoshang ceasefire. Representatives of all parties, including the Congress, attended the meeting. Koijam informed the meeting that the Army was willing to extend the duration of its ceasefire with militant outfits till March 31. He said senior Army officials informed him about the decision. CPM leader Kshetrimayum Shanta Singh later told The Telegraph that another meeting would be held on March 27 to discuss the feasibility of extending the period of the unilateral ceasefire further.