India extends ceasefire with Assam rebels
The Indian government yesterday extended a ceasefire in the northeast by 15 days in a bid to jumpstart talks with the region's dominant separatist group.
The move came after the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom, which has been fighting for an independent homeland, announced an indefinite ceasefire at the weekend.
"We've decided to extend the suspension of army operations against the United Liberation front of Asom (ULFA) for 15 days," Home Secretary V.K. Duggal said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. The government began the ceasefire on August 13.
The outlawed group responded by announcing a "cessation of hostilities" -- its first such declaration since it launched its armed campaign 27 years ago that has claimed more than 15,000 lives.
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