GUWAHATI, April 7 - Amid concerns raised over the contentious demand of the NSCN(IM) for unification of all Naga-inhabited areas, which includes parts of Assam and other neighbouring states, Rijiju made it clear that the talks are �political� and �will have no ramification on territory�.
�Sovereignty� and �other serious issues� have been dropped from the charter of demands of the NSCN(IM) and the framework agreement, which was signed between the Centre and the NSCN(IM), ensures that the talks would proceed under the ambit of the Constitution, Union Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said today, reassuring that the territorial integrity of northeastern states would not be impacted by the final agreement.
�We are progressing with absolute clarity. The unique history of the Nagas will be recognized and we will come out with a clear, tangible solution. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said we will give a result during the tenure of this government,� Rijiju said, addressing a press conference here.
On the ULFA talks, the Union minister said the demands of the Arabinda Rajkhowa-led faction are �genuine� and the Central government has, in principle, agreed to them. �We are giving a final shape to the settlement. It won�t take much time before the final agreement is signed,� he said.
Rijiju also said that some �outside agencies� and �elements� are trying to create trouble in the northeast states, but asked people not to panic. �We know the groups and we are tracking them. Anybody found indulging in antinational activities would be dealt with firmly. We have an intelligence mechanism which is much
robust now,� he said, without naming any group.
Admitting that Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma had recently sent a proposal to the Centre to give work permits to Bangladeshi nationals to address the challenge of infiltration, Rijiju said the government will not take any decision which will harm national interest.
�The proposal has certain positive things. We are looking into it. But whatever decision is taken, it won�t have any adverse impact and will not aggravate the existing problem of illegal migration,� he said.
Claiming that the Prime Minister has given �clear cut� instructions to all ministries to give topmost priority to northeastern states, he said in the next 10 year years the region will turn into a vibrant economic hub.
