NEW DELHI, Jan 22 ? The Naga peace talks between the Union Government and NSCN (I-M) leaders remained inconclusive. The talks that were scheduled to conclude today would continue tomorrow. With the growing unrest in Manipur over the issue of integration of all Naga inhabited areas looming large, there were indications that the issue has rocked the boat forcing the two sides to extend the negotiations to third day. A joint statement is expected to be made after the conclusion of the first Delhi round.
Even as the all party delegation from Manipur led by Chief Minister, O Ibobi Singh winded up their tour of Delhi on a positive note, Chief Minister of Nagaland, SC Jamir landed here to meet the Central leaders and party High Command. The general secretary of NSCN (I-M), Th Muivah, meanwhile, sought to put all speculations to rest by asserting that talks were going on well. ?We are meeting tomorrow also,? he told reporters after meeting former Prime Minister, PV Narasimha Rao. The NSCN (I-M) leaders however, declined to react to the statement of Manipur Chief Minister about the assurance by the Prime Minister on maintaining the territorial integrity of the North East States. ?We are not going to talk about it now,? was all he said.
Meanwhile, though no details were emerging about the negotiations between the two sides, indications were that the Prime Minister?s reported assurance widely reported in the media has not gone down well with the NSCN (I-M) leadership. The Union Government, on the other hand, is reported to have advised restrain on their statements on demand for integration of all Naga areas. The chief interlocutor, K Padmanabhaiah was however, not available for comments.
Sources said the chairman of the outfit did not attend the negotiations today though other leaders, some of whom arrived from Nagaland attended the talks. The Naga delegation apart from two senior leaders included RH Raising, Samson Jajo, Punim Ao and Azedo Sema among others. Both the sides it appears have reconciled themselves to the fact that the current round of talks being described as preparatory would not lead to any significant breakthrough.
According to sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), effort is on to thrash out the uncomplicated issues before the critical ones are taken up. The uncontentious issues being the demand for more autonomy, economic package and such. Under pressure owing to public outcry from the North-east, the Union Government is expected to pressurise the NSCN (I-M) to abandon the illegal activities including forcible tax collections and extortions. Several Chief Ministers from the region for instance have complained to the Centre about the NSCN (I-M) camps being allowed to be used as shelters for rebels wanted by the security forces.