New Delhi, May 28: Centre's interlocutor in the Naga peace process K Padmanabhaiah today briefed Deputy Prime Minister L K Advani on his recent "informal" parleys with NSCN (I-M) leadership in Bangkok. After a 30-minute meeting, Padmanabhaiah told reporters that the talks, aimed at furthering the peace process in Nagaland, would continue.
More rounds of discussions were necessary for the peace process to take a final shape, he said.
In a related development, Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio also met Advani at his North Block office after Padmanabhaiah. But no details about their discussions were immediately available. After the two-day peace talks in Bangkok which ended late last week, NSCN (I-M) general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah said that the issue of unification of the Naga territories was "standing in the way of a final solution" to the peace process and claimed that "eighty per cent of the Nagas supported the peace process today."
"As far as the final solution is concerned, it will certainly take time but with the Indian side now on the right track, it is both positive and praiseworthy. There is better understanding between us." Muivah said and complimented the Centre for being "more serious and more committed." Meanwhile, in an attempt to fulfill the need for unity and understanding among the Nagas, Nagaland Christian Forum and Apex Tribal Council Naga Hoho have constituted the 'Naga re-conciliation commission', while the state government has also constituted a peace committee with Chief Minister Rio as chairman to facilitate the process. Bureau Report