DNLA declares ceasefire to "create atmosphere for peace talks"

HAFLONG: Insurgents Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) has officially declared a unilateral ceasefire on September 7 "for creating an atmosphere for peace talks with the government of Assam and government of India."

Issuing a notice in this regard, DNLA publicity secretary Mungsri Ringsmai Dimasa wrote: "As a goodwill gesture and as a positive response to the call of peace by hon'ble chief minister of Assam Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, we, the DNLA, is here by declaring unilateral ceasefire on 7 Sept for six months for creating an atmosphere for peace talks with the govt of Assam and govt of India."

The Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) group announced its formation through a press release on April 15, 2019. The group has also established a 'government-in-exile' called 'Dimasa Peoples' Supreme Council. Several of its members have been killed by security personnel since its inception.

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The DNLA's decision has come merely days after the signing of the tripartite Karbi Peace Accord on Saturday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Assam Chief Minister Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and the representatives of Karbi outfits in Delhi.

In February this year, 1,040 Karbi militants belonging to five outfits laid down arms before then Assam CM Sarbananda Sonowal to return to the mainstream.

The militants belong to People's Democratic Council of Karbi Longri (PDCK), Karbi Longri NC Hills Liberation Front (KLNLF), Karbi People's Liberation Tiger (KPLT), Kuki Liberation Front (KLF) and United Peoples Liberation Army (UPLA).

The DNLA's ceasefire might be an indication that it might be mulling a similar move.

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