Aizawl, March 6 -- Two major pro-democracy rebel groups from Myanmar's Chin state - the Chinland Council (CC) and the Interim Chin National Consultative Council (ICNCC) - have recently signed a merger agreement in the presence of Mizoram chief minister Lalduhoma in Aizawl, people aware of the details said.

The merger agreement for cessation of hostilities between the two factions, who have been fighting the military junta in the neighbouring country, was signed on February 26. The two groups merged to form a single entity known as Chin National Council (CNC), members of the rebel groups and officials at the Mizoram CM's office confirmed.

Mizoram legislator Lalmuanpuia Punte, who is also the political adviser to the chief minister, told ...