Source: Hueiyen News Service
Kohima, July 17 2009:
The NSCN(I-M) on Friday expressed strong reservations against the Centre's reported move to replace the chief negotiator for Naga peace talks.
Reacting to a report that the Home Ministry was planning to remove K Padmanabhaiah holding the post for the last 10 years, the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) said in a statement, "It would be unwise on the part of Government of India to make him a scapegoat for its failure to make any breakthrough to the prolonged peace talks".
Acknowledging that the negotiations between the Centre and the outfit was moving slowly, the NSCN(I-M) said there was "noted progress" in the peace negotiations during Padmanabhaiah's tenure.
Padmanabhaiah, a former Union Home secretary, was appointed as the chief negotiator by the Vajpayee government in July 1999 replacing Swaraj Kaushal, a noted advocate and civil rights activist.
The outfit denied allegations that it was harbouring and helping other militant groups of North-East, claiming that it had no clandestine or official relation with others since it signed the cease-fire agreement in 1997 .
Home Ministry officials yesterday reviewed the Nagaland situation at a meeting in New Delhi which was attended by state Chief Secretary Lalthara and DGP K Kire.
It also discussed the alleged involvement of NSCN in the recent violence in the N C Hills in Assam.