SHILLONG, Dec 14 � Exhibiting further flexibility in its negotiation with insurgent groups of the North East, the Centre today said a �give and take� approach with militant outfits is required to end hostilities for good.
Union Home Minister, P Chidambaram addressing the 36th passing out parade of trainees from the North Eastern Police Academy (NEPA) said, ongoing talks with the militant outfits of the region can reach a settlement with a �little give and take� approach and �better understanding� of the issues at hand.
Chidambaram who made a brief halt at NEPA enroute to his two-day visit to Manipur did not, however, elaborate what exactly he meant when he talked about the �give and take� approach.
Various militant outfits like the NSCN, NDFB, ANVC and others are in peace talks with the Centre, but a definitive settlement has not been reached between these outfits and the Centre.
The Union Home Minister said that almost all the insurgent groups of the region are in talks with the Centre with the help of interlocutors during the past two years. �In the past two years the Centre has made every effort to extend its hand of friendship to anyone who comes forward for discussion,� he said.
The ongoing discussions with militant outfits, Chidambaram added, were nearing desired goals and settlements were within reach, but a final push is required to bring lasting peace in the region.
Reiterating violence having �no place in a democracy,� Chidambaram said, all outstanding issues can be solved through talks and discussions.
On the region, he said North East has a special place in the heart of the country for its �rich socio-cultural heritage.� In its modern avatar the region needs to respect concepts of pluralism and diversity, he stated.
The Minister said, once peace and harmony returns to the region, people from all parts of the world would flock the North East to share its unique culture and diversity.
