Naga talks: Opp pitches in, wants all-party meet

The Opposition leaders, wanting their share in the Naga peace pie, today demanded an all-party meeting for a consensus on the crucial nation...

The Opposition leaders, wanting their share in the Naga peace pie, today demanded an all-party meeting for a consensus on the crucial national issue. This came up in their meeting with NSCN (I-M) leaders at ex-prime minister V.P. Singh’s residence.

Another former prime minister I.K. Gujral was also present at the meeting, which insurgent leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah ‘‘highly appreciated’’. Singh said, ‘‘We are happy that they have accepted the peace process, dropped their guns and are in dialogue to resolve the issue.’’ After the meeting, Muivah said they had seen ‘‘ a high spirit of peace’’ among the leaders.

Meanwhile, the government has not yet taken a decision on including a political negotiator in the team already talking to the NSCN (I-M) leaders. ‘‘The official level talks will begin on January 20. The government is still undecided about the wisdom of appointing a political person at this stage. And if a political person is appointed — be it Arun Shourie, George Fernandes or any third person, he would head the same team which includes Centre’s interlocuter K. Padmnabhaiah, Director Intelligence Bureau K.P. Singh and MHA Special Secretary R.C. Jain,’’ sources said.

Among those present at the hour-long meeting were Consumer Affairs Minister Sharad Yadav, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury, RJD leader Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, CPI’s A.B. Bardhan and Lok Janshakti leader Ram Vilas Paswan.

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