Suspension of operations agreement with NDFB extended by 3 months

New Delhi, Oct 1 : Tripartite meetings consisting of representatives of the Government of India, Government of Assam and National Democratic Front of Boroland (NDFB) were held in New Delhi on Tuesday and Monday.

After discussions, it was mutually agreed to extend the suspension of operations agreement with NDFB for a further period of three months up to December 31st this year.

The Bodo militant group had declared unilateral ceasefire in October 2004 in response to the call given by civil society groups in Bodo society to opt for a negotiated settlement of the problem. However, a formal ceasefire pact was put into force from June 1, 2005.

The NDFB is a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe since 1986. The Bodos, a primitive tribe who are mostly either Hindus or Christians, account for about 10 per cent of Assam's 26 illion people and live in the western and northern part of the State.

More than 10,000 people have lost their lives to insurgency in Assam during the past two decades.

ANI