File picture of NDFB chief Ranjan Daimary in police custody

Jan. 10: Ranjan Daimary, the arrested chairman of the anti-talks faction of the National Democratic front of Boroland, today said the NDFB had declared a unilateral ceasefire for six months. Within hours of the declaration, Bodoland Territorial Council chief Hagrama Mohilary sought suspension of operations against the rebel group.

Talking to reporters when he was brought to the court in Guwahati, Daimary said that in the intervening period they would not indulge in any act of violence and cease hostilities.

He said their decision to declare a unilateral ceasefire had been conveyed to the Centre. “Now it is the responsibility of the government to take the peace initiative forward. The ball is in their court now,” Daimary said.

Sources said the outfit had recently sent a letter declaring unilateral ceasefire to the Centre through Bodoland National Conference (BNC), adding that Daimary’s sister Anjali, a member of the BNC’s convening committee, was playing a key role in this process.

The BNC was formed in November last year with the objective of providing a common platform for all Bodo organisations, political and non-political, to fight for their common causes, including a separate state.

Talking to the media at the BTC secretariat conference in Kokrajhar this afternoon, Mohilary, who is also the chief convenor of the BNC said: “We have come to know that the NDFB (anti-talks) faction has suspended operations for six months, paving the way for peace process. The government should also reciprocate and suspend all operations against the NDFB.”

He said a BNC team would call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi on January 14.

“We have already sought an appointment. We will discuss issues related to the Bodos, especially NDFB factions and resolve the long-standing political problems of the Bodos. We would urge the Centre to expedite ongoing political dialogue with the NDFB (Progressive),” he said.

A BNC team had met Singh in New Delhi last Wednesday and submitted a five-point memorandum to expedite the ongoing political dialogue with the NDFB (P) and initiate a peace process with the anti-talks faction as Daimary had shown willingness for talks.