NEW DELHI, Jan 16 ? The attempt to garner support for peaceful resolution of the Naga problem has gathered momentum with the Opposition parties calling upon the Prime Minister to convene an all party meeting to discuss the issue. Representatives of various Opposition parties barring the Congress today met the NSCN (I-M) leaders at former Prime Minister, V P Singh?s house for an interaction. The leaders gave a patient hearing to the chairman and general secretary of the NSCN (I-M), Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah, who gave an account of the Naga problem and their movent.
The core issues of the problem including the demand for integration of all Naga inhabitated areas, however, did not flgure during the interaction. Later, Sri Singh told newsmen that the core issues were not brought up because they were under discussion with the Government of India. The main aim was to ensure restoration of peace in the State and the NSCN (I-M) leaders by holding negotiations with Government of India has shown their commitment for peace.
Opposition leaders later advocated the need to hold an-all party meeting to discuss the Naga problem. The RJD MP Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said the Government should take the Opposition parties into confidence and convene an all party meeting. ?We are all for peaceful negotiation and we welcome the negotiations with the Government and the desire of the Naga leaders to leave the bullet behind,? said the former Prime Minister.?We hope that the talks with the leaders lead to results,? he added. And listening to the problems facing the Nagas were former Prime Minister, I K Gujral, CPI-M leaders A B Bardhan, Sitaram Yechury, CPI member A Raja. Notably absentee were RJD chief Laloo Prasad Yadav.
Significantly, AICC president, Sonia Gandhi declined the invitation. The former Prime Minister revealed that he had called Smt Gandhi twice and he was informed that the issue was discussed at length and it was felt that it was not appropriate for the party chief to attend the function. The NSCN (I-M) leaders, it may be mentioned here are waiting for an response from 10 Jan Path. The only interaction the Naga leaders have had so far with any Congress leader is Rama Pilot.
Meanwhile, Muivah told newsmen they were honoured to meet the Opposition leaders and appreciated the disposition they had shown in a spirit of peace. Meanwhile, the Nagaland BJP is planning to stake claim for about 25 to 30 seats from the Opposition alliance. The seat sharing arrangements that were to take place in Kohima tomorrow is likely to be postponed as Hokishe Sema the convenor of the alliance is waiting here for arrival of BJP national president, K Venkahiah Naidu and NDA convenor George Fernandes. The state general secretary of the party, O Mozamo Ngullie told this newspaper that the meeting would have to be postponed though it would be held before the rally in Kohima on January 22. The BJP?s claim to such a large number of seats in a State where it is yet to open its account has already upset the Nagaland People Front leadership.