Kohima, Oct 28: Wrapping up a three-day visit to Nagaland with a Rs 1050 crore economic package, Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee today parried the controversial demand for Greater Nagaland saying a consensus has to be evolved if boundaries of states in the North-East have to be changed. "If state boundaries are to be changed, it can only be done by evolving a political consensus. At present there is no political consensus on changing the boundaries here," Vajpayee told a press conference at the conclusion of his visit.
On the ongoing Naga peace process, he said "the process is continuing. Talks are going on. Please don't expect details from me."
The Prime Minister's statement assumes significance in the context of ongoing talks between the centre and the NSCN (I-M). Political parties and several Naga NGOs have been carrying on a campaign to bring Naga-inhabited areas in the north-east under one administrative set up as part of a solution.
Bureau Report