Delhi-NSCN (IM) political dialogue : No immediate solution in sight : Shambhu Singh
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, December 09 2013: While the peace talk with a faction of the ULFA is likely to see a final settlement soon, it is still uncertain when the vexed Naga issue could be resolved, said Union Home Joint Secretary North East In-charge, Shambhu Singh.

Talking exclusively to The Sangai Express, Shambhu Singh said that as of today, nothing is certain on what the outcome of the ongoing peace talks with the NSCN (IM) will be.

Admitting that the dialogue with Isak-Muivah led faction of the Naga rebel group has not seen any concrete progress, the Joint Secretary said that the outfit has submitted their charter of demands after abandoning the demand for sovereignty, unification of Naga areas and Nagalim.

Shambhu Singh

He said that as there is need for involvement and consent of the Governments of Manipur, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland regarding the demands of NSCN (IM), the Centre is yet to give any reply to the Naga rebel group.

It is also not sure whether the demands raised by NSCN (IM) are the collective aspirations of the Naga people, he said and pointed out the non-involvement of other Naga armed groups in the peace dialogue.

Saying that NSCN (IM) submitted their new charter of demands to the Centre in July 2011, Shambhu Singh opined that the actual dialogue towards an amicable solution to the vexed Naga issue commenced only after the outfit submitted their charter of demands.

As such, it would be hard to bring a solution to 60-year-old Naga issue within two years, he observed.

On the other hand, dialogue with the pro-talk faction of ULFA has witnessed considerable progress and a final settlement may come soon, Shambhu Singh said.

Expressing satisfaction with the progress of talks with ULFA, Shambhu Singh said that development works in Assam do not face any hindrance now.

Although, the Joint Secretary refused to disclose the demands raised by ULFA, he said that it was related to the protection of the identity of Assamese people.

Responding to a query regarding UNC's demand for an 'Alternative Arrangement outside Manipur Government pending a final solution to the Ind-Naga issue', Shambhu Singh opined that the demand is quite hazy and explained that the Government of any State, including Manipur is made up by its people.

Although, UNC has urged to upgrade the AA talk to a political level, the Centre has asked the State Government to resolve the matter with the UNC.

Regarding the demand for a separate Kuki State, Shambhu Singh said that formation of a new State must be considered after assessing population, resources and area.

A village is like a republic and these villages contribute to form India as a republic, he said.

It is not that a new State cannot be formed at all but the North East States are already tiny States and it is hard to even entertain the idea of carving out a new State from the existing ones in the region, he said.

Shambhu Singh said that the Centre has directed the State Government to take necessary action against the groups which violate the SoO ground rules.

Saying that armed cadres who are party to the SoO pact must be neutralised in case they attack Government security personnel, Shambhu Singh said that the Government would not compromise with the safety and security of the common people.

Regarding border fencing, Shambhu Singh said that there are reports of people moving along the International border as they could not locate the Zero Point.

Saying that people must understand the Zero Point first, Shambhu Singh said that border fencing works have been suspended.