Kohima: The Centre was considering a
broad-based comprehensive political package to solve the vexed
Naga problem, Union Home Secretary G K Pillai on Wednesday said.
"Since the problem is political in nature, it needs a
negotiated political settlement and it must be acceptable and
honorable to both sides. So the government is considering a
broad-based comprehensive political package to be offered to
the Nagas," Pillai told reporters here at the conclusion of
his two-day visit to Nagaland.
Pillai clarified that the Centre, time and again, had
communicated to the Naga groups that the government was ready
to amend certain provisions of the Constitution, if necessary,
while resolving the Naga problem.
He said that the proposed package would not be
something that was the final offer from the Centre, but would
form the basis of further discussions and negotiations with
underground groups and civil societies.
Seeking to remove misunderstanding over the reported
`economic package` to be offered to Naga groups, the home
secretary clarified that at no point had the Centre spoken of
doling out financial largesse to settle the issue.
Pillai also said the contours of the proposed package
was yet to be finalised and some `good suggestions` were
received in the past two days.
Pillai had sought the opinion of civil society groups,
church leaders and student bodies in Nagaland on the Naga
political conflict.
"During the discussions, certain leaders from civil
society groups requested us to be sensitive in using language
in drafting the Centre`s proposals keeping in view the ongoing
reconciliation and unity move in Nagaland so that they (words)
do not create any confusion or misunderstanding," he said.
The proposals, he said in the form of a comprehensive
political package to the Nagas, would be first placed before
the Cabinet Committee on Security for approval and then
offered to Naga groups for further negotiation.
Later Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio told newsmen "I would
not like to comment on the proposals because we are yet to
know about them, but I am happy over the Centres fresh
initiatives."
Fulfilling aspirations of Naga people priority: Governor
Governor designate of Nagaland Nikhil
Kumar, who would be administered oath here tomorrow, said his
top priority would be to work towards fulfilling aspiration of
the people of the state.
Kumar, who was received at Raj Bhavan on his arrival to the
state capital by chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet
colleagues, said he would do whatever possible within his
limit for all round development of Nagaland, particularly for
prevalence of stable peace here.
During my meeting with Prime Minister he briefed about the
central governments expectation from me as the Governor but I
am yet to meet the Home minister, Kumar told newsmen after
his arrival here.
The former Delhi police commissioner said whatever little
bit he had seen from the sky and during the road journey from
Dimapur to Kohima this afternoon, he was fascinated by the
beauty of the landscape.
But I am determined to see the beauty of the state is
further enhanced by ensuring stable peace here, he said.
Bureau Report
