DIMAPUR, Nov 15 � Prime Minister Narendra Modi has told the NSCN-IM leaders and Central interlocutor RN Ravi that they should engage in concerted talks as much as they can to settle the long-pending Naga political issue. The Prime Minister said this during a meeting with the NSCN-IM leaders before his departure for Myanmar, according to Dimapur-based newspaper Eastern Mirror.
During the meeting in New Delhi, Modi also reiterated that the Naga political issue should not be dragged on further but it should be settled in a time-bound manner, the daily added.
When contacted, NSCN-IM leaders refused to divulge the details of the meeting but they said �something like that� took place while referring to the meeting between the Prime Minister and the NSCN-IM leaders. A Kilonser (Minister) who requested anonymity said, NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Th Muivah led the delegation in the meeting with the Prime Minister in New Delhi.
However, no specific date of the meeting was revealed. When queried by Eastern Mirror whether it was a courtesy call or a formal talk, the NSCN-IM leader has this to say, �The meeting was both (courtesy call and formal).� The NSCN-IM leader added the Government of India and the Naga outfit have the understanding that both the parties will not go to the media as much as possible for the time being. �This is to avoid complication,� the NSCN-IM leader explained. �At the right time our leaders will come to the Naga people for further consultation and such events are not far away,� he added.
This development has come after months of speculations. However, till date the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), PMO or other concerned authorities are yet to give any official statement on the matter.
Earlier this month, The Assam Tribune had carried a news item that the format of talks between the Government of India and the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) �has been changed� with both sides agreeing to expedite the talks to find an amicable solution as soon as possible.
Quoting the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) the newspaper had also reported that a decision was taken to do away with the practice of holding one or two rounds of formal talks in a year. Such a practice was going on for years without much progress in finding a solution.
