On eve of talks, Patil remark upsets Nagas

Patil had, on his three-day vist to the Northeastern states, said: ‘‘It should be clear to all that protecting the territorial integrity of states is in the common minimum programme of the Government.’’ Speaking to reporters immediately after reaching New Delhi from Guhawati, Patil refused comment as according to him, it could jeopardise the forthcoming talks.

A senior member of the Naga delegation speaking to The Indian Express, said: ‘‘The statement of the Union Home Minister is the cause of grave concern and creates doubts about the Government’s intention to find a solution to the Naga problem. We are extremely unhappy and upset, and have expressed our sentiments to the Indian Government.’’

Asked whether the Naga delegation would go-ahead with the talks to begin on Thursday, he said: ‘‘We have been approached by the Government requesting us to attend the talks.’’

Senior Home Ministry officials said the talks would continue as scheduled. ‘‘The meeting would proceed. However, a hardening of the Naga stand cannot be ruled out,’’ a senior Ministry official told The Indian Express. Earlier, the Naga delegation had praised the Indian Government for its efforts to find a solution to the problem.

It was following these positive signals that the Government decided to tackle issues where a compromkise between the two sides was possible, while leaving thorny issues such as integration of Naga inhabited areas, to be thrashed out at a later stage.