Extension of NSCN(IM)'s truce area opposed

NEW DELHI, March 2: While reiterating its Opposition to the demand of extending the NSCN(IM) ceasefire to Naga inhabited areas of neighbouring States of Nagaland, Assam Government has requested the Centre to utilise the ceasefire to engage the other insurgent outfits in negotiations. The Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee as part of his consensus building measure today held a meeting with the Chief Minister Prafulla Kumar Mahanta. The Union Home Minister, LK Advani and top officials of his ministry also attended the meeting. The Prime Minister held similar meeting with the Chief Minister of Manipur, Radhabinod Koijam and is scheduled to meet Arunachal Pradesh, Chief Minister, and Mukut Mithi tomorrow. The Union government, is trying to break the deadlock over the issue of extending the area of ceasefire with the NSCN(IM) into the neighbouring areas of Nagaland in the Northeast, as, demanded by the Naga outfit. The Northeastern States of Assam, Manipur, Arunachal Pradesh and Meghalaya had in October last year jointly opposed the proposal, categorically rejecting the Naga outfit's demand. Mahanta today told this newspaper that their stand on the issue of extending the ceasefire remained the same, though they would have no objection if the Centre extended the ceasefire to the entire country. "What we are opposed is the demand for extension of the ceasefire to Naga inhabited areas, as part of the demand for creation of greater Nagaland," he said. Mahanta said he has requested the Union government officials to submit the details of the plans and proposals to the concerned States to enable them to discuss the issue and take further decisions. A growing feeling among the various States is that the Centre should take them into confidence regarding its negotiations with the Naga insurgent outfit. Mahanta said, in his meeting with the Central leadership, he stressed on the need to take advantage of the ceasefire to bring other insurgent outfits including the ULFA to the negotiation table. The NSCN(IM) is considered the umbrella organisation of all underground outfits and holds a sway among the various outfits. At his meeting with the Prime Minister the Chief Minister also urged the Union government to immediately release the developmental funds tied up at the Centre.