NEW DELHI, Jan 21 ? The formal round of negotiations between the Union Government and the NSCN (IM) got underway here today, even as the Central Government has shelved plans of immediately appointing a political interlocutor. The day-long talks between the Government of India and NSCN (IM) was held in two rounds at a secret location away from the media glare. The NSCN (IM) delegation was led by chairman, Isak Chisi Swu and included Th Muivah, their spokesman R H Raising, Grinder Muivah and Samson Jajo among others.
The Government of India was represented by its chief interlocutor, K Padmanabhaiah, Director of Intelligence Bureau, KP Singh, Special Secretary A Jain among others. Both the parties, however, maintained a discreet silence describing today?s talks as preliminary round. The negotiations are expected to continue tomorrow as well after which a formal joint statement is likely to be issued. The NSCN (IM) leaders are leaving India on Thursday, sources said.
The uncertainty hanging over appointment of a political interdictory has been set at rest by Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani who told newsmen travelling with him that no such appointment is on cards in the immediate future. The Deputy Prime Minister also added that no major issues were likely to be clinched in this round though something can be expected in other rounds after the Assembly polls in Nagaland. The possibility of the demand for greater Nagaland of being conceded was also set to rest when Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee told an anxious Manipur Chief Minister, Okram Ibobi Singh this morning that any solution to the vexed Naga issue would not threaten the territorial integrity of the State or any other North East State. The Manipur Chief Minister told newsmen later that the Prime Minister has assured that any step taken to resolve the five-decade-old Naga insurgency problem will not be against Manipur?s interest.
Though the details of the first day of talks are yet to be divulged, indications are that the set of demands submitted by the Naga outfit were discussed. The current round of talks are said to be preparatory round and the political issues would be discussed only after appointment of a political interlocutor.
According to sources the basic demands apart from the demand for unification of all Naga inhabited areas include greater autonomy under which all departments barring that of defence, currency, foreign affairs and communication would be given to Nagaland. The demands also include a separate flag for Nagaland, permission to set up counselates and tourist offices abroad.