Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, December 28:
The NSCN (IM) has dropped the demand of Naga sovereignty during the ongoing talks with the Centre, Union minister of State for Home ID Swami told reporters here today.
The union minister said the peace talks between the Naga outfit and the Government of India is progressing.
�The Government has opposed the question of Naga sovereignty and the demand has been dropped by the NSCN (IM),� Swami said.
In response to a question he said there is no time frame for arriving at an agreement between the two sides.
�The peace talk will come to an end any time when there is a breakthrough,� he added.
On the transparency of the peace talk the Union minister said there are certain things which can not be made public during the talks.
But he added that the interest of the people of Manipur would not be compromised at any cost.
Responding to another question Swami sad the government has mechanisms to deal with both the factions of the NSCN, which are locked in a bitter feud.
Both the factions of the NSCN are holding talks with the Centre separately.
With regard to branding of several outfits under the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance (POTO) the Union minister said the government of India does not think it proper to declare NSCN as terrorist organizations as it is holding peace talks with the Government.
�We don�t want to add another problem during the talks,� he added.
Swami replied in the negative when asked if he knows the time and venue for the next round of talks with the NSCN (IM).
He however, added that it may be held in India this time.
On the recent arrest of Manipuri UGs in Myanmar the Union minister said that New Delhi had written to Myanmarese authority to do the needful.
A reply is being awaited, he said.
On the blocking of funds to NGOs in Manipur he clarified that Home ministry only asked various ministries to verify activities of the NGOs and their utilization of the funds.
There were several complaints of misuse of the funds and diversion to the UGs, he said adding that the respective ministries are free to release the fund if the verification is satisfactory.
The Union Home ministry and Ministry of Telecommunication is seriously considering providing cellular telephone facilities in the state.
Since the chances of misusing the facility are very high the Government will have to consider all aspects, he said.
Reacting to charges of non-implementation of developmental projects promised by the then Joint Secretary Home GK Pillai, the Union minister maintained that developmental works in insurgency infested areas will take time to complete.