Naga peace talks to be held on Oct 9-10

The first round of talks between Centre and the NSCN (I-M) after the July extension of the ceasefire will be held in Bangkok on October 9 an...

The first round of talks between Centre and the NSCN (I-M) after the July extension of the ceasefire will be held in Bangkok on October 9 and 10.

The Centre would be represented by former Home Secretary K Padmanabhiah and Minister of State for Statistics and Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes.

Sources said National Security Advisor M K Narayanan met Padmanabhiah, Fernandes and Union Home Secretary V K Duggal on Tuesday to discuss the Centre’s stand.

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This time, however, the Centre has little room for manoeuvre as the Naga leadership, hardening its stand, has sought a firm commitment on “integration of Naga inhabited areas”. It is also unhappy with the pace of talks.

To drive home the point, the NSCN (I-M) had extended the ceasefire in July by just six months, and not an year, as intended.

Also, at the last month’s meeting of the 5th Naga People’s Consultative Meeting, the Nagas had said that “the outcome of the talks so far is far from satisfactory and should the talks continue without making substantial progress, the will of the people shall prevail for any continuity of the ceasefire.’’

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