- Two ethnic armed groups of Myanmar, ‘the New Mon State Party and Lahu Democratic Union of Myanmar’ on 13 February, 2018 signed the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA) in Nay Pyi Taw in the presence of Aung San Suu Kyi.
- It is beliieved that this move will revive a flagging peace process that was overshadowed by continuing fighting in Myanmar.
- By signing the agreement, these two have joined the eight other groups who had signed the agreement before.
Significance for India
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- According to the Ministry of External Affairs of India, its presence at the signing of Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement, NCA, in Myanmar demonstrates its continued support to the peace process in that country. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said, comprehensive peace and national reconciliation in Myanmar will also be conducive for the peace and prosperity of the North eastern States of India.
About the Nationwide Ceasefire Agreement (NCA)
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- It is an agreement between the Government of Myanmar and the non-state ethnic armed organizations (EAOs). The draft text of the NCA agreed on March 31, 2015 and was signed on October 15, 2015.
- This agreement stipulates the terms of ceasefires, their implementation and monitoring, and the roadmap for political dialogue and peace ahead in Myanmar.
- Given the positive bilateral relationship between India and Myanmar and the significance for India of the Myanmar peace process, Myanmar had earlier invited India together with China, Japan, Thailand, UN and EU to sign the NCA as international witnesses in October 2015. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval had represented India on that occasion.
