Imphal, February 01: Even as the six months cease fire agreed between the Army authority and six Kuki militant groups and two others expired yesterday, the Army authority has written to the State Government explaining its stand for going ahead with the truce agreement.

There is however no change in the stand of the SPF Government.

Speaking to The Sangai Express a well placed source said that the Army authority has intimated to the State Government that the cease fire agreement was entered into to pave the way for a dialogue between the armed groups and the Government.

Significantly, the State Government was kept in the dark when the cease fire came into force.

The cease fire came into force during the latter part of May last year and the Army authority has explained to the State Government that the truce was agreed upon to create a conducive atmosphere so that a dialogue may be started.

The eight militant groups which entered into a cease fire with the Army are, KNO, KNA, KNF (Z), KNF (MC), KLO, KLA, ZRA and ZRO.

However despite the explanation furnished by the Army authority, the State Government has not changed its earlier stand, disclosed the source.

When The Sangai Express contacted the PRO of PIB, Lt Col SD Goswami, the officer said that the Army authority is seriously considering extending the cease fire.

On being queried further, the PRO said that the Army is likely to suspend operation and hostilities against the said militant groups for the time being.

In another development, additional security force is likely to be pressed into service at Thanlon and Parbung to intensify the counter-insurgency operations and to secure area domination.

This has been conveyed to the State Government.

Following the intimation from the Army authority, the State Government is likely to approach the Centre to deploy more forces in Manipur, said the source and added that as of now no additional force has been sent to the said areas.