India revokes Naga peace deal

Nagas want the ceasefire extension to be implemented

The Indian Government has backed out of a controversial ceasefire deal with separatist Naga rebels in the country's north-east.

The government says the ceasefire will now be restricted to Nagaland and will not include areas outside the state where the rebels operate.

It was decided that three words... 'without territorial limits' will be removed

Home Minister LK Advani

In June, Delhi signed a deal with the separatist National Socialist Council of Nagaland to extend the ceasefire beyond the boundaries of the state.

But Delhi's move to broaden the ceasefire was met with resistance in the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh.

They feared that the move would eventually lead to the creation of a greater Nagaland, carved out of their territories.

Eighteen people were killed in violent protests in Manipur and homes and offices of politicians and officials were burnt down.

Manipuri politicians in Delhi had said they would not be able to return to their state unless the ceasefire decision was revoked.

Wording changed

The decision to revoke the ceasefire extension was made at a meeting between Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee and the chief ministers of India's northeastern states.

The deal was met with violence in Manipur

"After discussions, it was decided that three words in the June 14 agreement, which are 'without territorial limits' will be removed," Home Minister LK Advani told journalists.

"The government of India's representatives have already discussed the matter with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland and they are agreeable to this proposal," he said.

There has been no reaction as yet from the NSCN.

The NSCN has been fighting for an independent homeland for the Nagas for over 50 years.