Ceasefire Ground rules between the Union Government and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak-Muivah (NSCN-IM), December 1997

1. There would be no offensive operations like ambush, raid and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property against the NSCN by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the police;
2. Patrolling by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the police would continue to prevent infiltration of militants and arms as earlier.
3. Protection of convoys and patrolling of roads would continue to be undertaken by the Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the police;
4. The Indian Army, paramilitary forces and police would issue instructions to their formations, not to use masks to cover their faces during the period of ceasefire;
5. The NSCN would not undertake offensive operations like ambush raid, sniping, and attack leading to death/injury/damage or loss of property;
6. In the interest of promoting peace process, there would be no parading (either in groups or individually) or NSCN cadres in uniform and/or with arms.
7. There would be no blockade of roads and communications, disruption of economic or developmental activities as well as essential services by the NSCN;
8. It is mutually agreed that no safe haven or sanctuary to any armed group or elements will be maintained by anyone;
9. On the Government of India side, a concern was expressed that forcible collection of money on essential supplies and intimidation of individuals including government officials wee taking place in the State. The NSCN representatives stated that their’s being a people’s organization, they did not resort to such activities;
10. It was further agreed that implementation of these ground rules and modalities will be monitored by a group constituted for this purpose comprising of representatives of NSCN, NGOs and representatives nominated by the Government of India;
11. On the Government of India side a concern was expressed about reports of forced recruitment to armed \cadres. The NSCN representatives stated that they have not and do not resort to forced recruitment.