Breakthrough: CNF Signed Ceasefire Deal with Govt.
06 January 2012: In an historic development, the Chin National Front (CNF) has signed a ceasefire agreement with the new Burmese government at the end of a two-day peace negotiation in Chin State capital Hakha.
A source present in the negotiation has confirmed to Chinland Guardian that leaders of both sides of the official delegations have entered their signatures on a document containing the official ceasefire agreement.
Dr. Sui Khar, leader of the CNF delegation signed the agreement on CNF’s behalf while Railway Minister Aung Min and Chin State Chief Minister Hung Ngai both signed the document on the government side. Two representatives from the Peace and Tranquillity Committee, a group of Christian religious leaders who facilitated the peace process also signed their names as witnesses.
Leaders of both parties shook hands after exchanging the official peace agreement documents.
The three-points deal include the opening up of three CNF liaison offices in Matupi, Thantlang and Tedim Towns, the recognition of Chin State’s northernmost and southern most townships of Tedim and Paletwa as the CNF operational base areas, and the agreement that a date for further discussion with the Union government be decided within two weeks of the day of the signing of the peace deal.
Meanwhile, a grand dinner is being organized this evening where both sides of the delegations will share an evening meal with cabinet members of the Chin State government, members of the Chin State parliament, invited elders and dignitaries from Hakha, Thantlang and Falam towns and chief civil servants from all State level departments.
The CNF delegation is due to depart Hakha tomorrow and is scheduled to stay overnight in Thantlang town before heading back to the Indian border.
