Imphal, February 27, 2010(NEPS): Union Home Secretary GK Pillai reiterated that final settlement to the vexed Naga political issue could only be achieved when the "Government of India holds talks with all the Naga underground groups." No final settlement could come about by having talks with one Naga underground group, said the Union Home Secretary while talking to the press after reviewing the "Special Attestation Parade," held here at Assam Rifles Training Centre and School on Saturday.

"I am hopeful that we would find solution," the Union Home Secretary said disclosing the Naga issue would be resolved in 12 to 24 months.

He said they would explore all possibilities that any arrangement for the final settlement of the vexed "Naga issue" would be honorable and acceptable to all concerned.

"It is a difficult problem requiring imaginative and innovative solution," he said adding, "The Government of India wants to settle the Naga issue and we would be flexible to find solution".

Stating that they were sincere to the issue, Pillai said the Prime Minister had instructed them to see that solution to the issue was found "acceptable to all." "And when asked if the Government of India would invite the NSCN-K leaderships for talks as the latter stated that they were waiting former's invitation, the Union Home Secretary said as of now and as in the initial phase, they would continue to hold talks with NSCN-IM.

Ultimately, they had to hold talks with the entire Naga groups for final settlement, he explained.

Asked about the reaction of the NSCN-IM to the 29-Point Counter Proposal of the Government of India, Pillai refused to divulge saying it was improper to disclose as the peace process was going on.

He also disclosed that NSCN-IM General Secretary Th Muivah was arriving to Delhi today from Amsterdam on the invitation of the Prime Minister for resumption of talks with representatives of the Government of India.

He would first have talks with newly appointed interlocutor RS Pandey and within a week, he would be meeting Home Minister and the Prime Minister.

Comment