The run-up to the signing of the agreement to extend the ceasefire by one year in 1999 could not have been more ominous. The chief interlocutor of the Indian side, Swaraj Kaushal, made an unceremonious exit from the scenario. Kaushal had been in constant touch with the leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN), Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, but left things hanging fire. Quite literally at that. On that occasion, Muivah had told this writer (see Northeast Vigil issue...
