DIMAPUR, May 29 ? The NSCN(IM) has threatened to go in for a referendum on its demand for the integration of Naga-inhabited areas of the North East if the Centre continues to be ?indecisive on the issue. The 2-daylong parley between the Government of India and the NSCN-IM at the Thai capital, Bangkok might not have yielded results much to the expectations of the outfit, but it has once again raised the issues of integration of Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast. According to NSCN-IM sources, ?the talks have been informal?, but it is learnt that both sides took up certain issues, although there was no consensus arrived at. NSCN-IM Deputy Kilonser (minister), V Horam said that they have not received anything from the Leadership, after the talks, but he was appreciative of the Government of India?s gesture towards taking up the Naga issue with much interest. He said that GoI?s commitment towards finding a solution towards the Indo-Naga imbroglio is much ?appreciative?, and they have been discussing the issues at the political level, with the Army and bureaucrats.
He also said that violations of ceasefire ground rules from both the sides have been contained after the talks were continued. On the issue of the further extension of ceasefire, Horam said that the issues would be taken up at the next round of talks due in June, where other substantive issues would also be taken up. It is also learnt that the NSCN-IM has reiterated to keep all channels of communication open so as to schedule the extension of ceasefire, due to expire in July.
Sources said that the NSCN-IM would convey message or proposals to the New Delhi about the contentious issues before the next round of talks. Answering a query about Centre?s interlocutor Padmanabhaiah being sent for talks with the NSCN-IM leadership, when the organization had demanded to appoint someone from a political background, the Deputy Kilonser said that their demand has been genuine as the NSCN-IM wants someone from a non-bureaucratic background to represent the Prime Minister of India in the dialogues. The deputy Kilonser also disclosed that the Centre has assured to appoint someone other than Padmanabhaiah as prime minister?s interlocutor, before the next round of talks begins.
Horam also lamented the recent statement made by Padmanabhaiah, and said that in no way, the organization would be ?disarmed?. On being asked about holding talks in India, Horam said, ?his organization had no objections provided all substantive issues were included on the agenda?.