Rights groups accused the military, powerful elements of which publicly said they did not want peace when the deal was signed, of organizing pro-Jakarta mobs to attack the peace monitors.
Observers say the war is only partly about separatism. Senior commanders from both sides are deeply involved in lucrative illegal and legal businesses in the province, and end to hostilities would stem these moneymaking schemes.
President Megawati Sukarnoputri, the daughter of Indonesia's nationalist founding father Sukarno, enjoys broad support for any move to crush the rebels.
The peace talks are being closely followed in Aceh on the radio and television, yet most people appear resigned to the resumption of hostilities.
"We've had this threat of war for so long now," said Iskandar, a cassette seller in Banda Aceh. "We will try and go about our daily life as best we can. We are all waiting for a peaceful era," said Iskandar, who chose to be identified by a single name.
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