Source: The Sangai Express
Dimapur, September 20 (NNN):
Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee today said no �readymade solution� (of the decades-old Naga political problem) is available (as of now) although he appreciated the ongoing dialogue between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM).
In a brief interaction with mediapersons on his arrival at 3 Corps Headquarters, Rangapahar near Dimapur, the Defence Minister admitted that the Naga issue was a complex one though he said both Government of India and NSCN (IM) were engaged in dialogues to find out some positive outcome.
Welcoming the peace process, Mukherjee said �the ceasefire has been extended for six months and certain progress have been made.� He appealed to all concerned to create a conducive atmosphere for finding a settlement.
To a query on the fate of the peace process after expiry of the current ceasefire, the Defence Minister said the truce could be extended thereafter.
Mukherjee also expressed deep concern over the ongoing security scenario in Manipur.
�Manipur situation is bad and deployment of Army personnel is itself an indication that the situation is not good,� he said adding �we have to rationalize the situation�.
He said the Defence Ministry as well as the Home Ministry was taking measures for tackling the ongoing unrest in Manipur.
The Defence Minister, who is on a three-day visit to the North-East, will leave for Leimakhong, Manipur on September 21 where he is scheduled to address the security personnel besides holding an interaction with the Inspector General of Assam Rifles (South).
He is also scheduled to visit Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh and Assam and hold meetings with top Army officials on the security scenario.