"The ceasefire is extended by six months after talks held between us and officials of the government of India (in New Delhi)," Gobinda Basumatary, NDFB general secretary told IANS over phone from New Delhi.

The ceasefire was due to expire Wednesday.

The five-member rebel team held discussions with senior home ministry officials headed by Special Secretary (Internal Security) S. Rajagopal.

"Suspension of all operations by both sides will continue for another six months to ensure that the ceasefire is respected in letter and spirit," a home ministry official said requesting anonymity.

The NDFB is a rebel group fighting for an independent homeland for the Bodo tribe since 1986. The government and the group signed a one-year ceasefire pact in May last year.

"The talks were held in a very cordial manner and we have decided to discuss our main issues and raise our demands in subsequent rounds of negotiations for which fresh dates would be announced later," Basumatary said.

The Bodos account for about 10 percent of Assam's 26 million people and live in the western and northern part of the state.

Under the ceasefire agreement, the NDFB cadres were lodged in government run camps until a final settlement was reached with the rebels.

Talks between government peace negotiators and representatives of the state's other frontline rebel group, the outlawed United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA), have already begun with two rounds of negotiations having taken place.

"We are happy the ceasefire with the NDFB was extended and expect a permanent solution in the near future. The peace process with the ULFA is also moving in the right track," said Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi.