|
Naga peace talks : Oscar optimistic on substantive issues |
 |
New Delhi’s chief negotiator in the ongoing Naga peace talks, Oscar Fernandes, is optimistic that “substantive issues” would be sorted out during the ongoing ceasefire with the NSCN (I-M).
“We will discuss the substantive issues involved and make every effort to sort them out. We are optimistic that the issues could be sorted out during one more year of the extension,” Fernandes said in Imphal on Sept. 13.
Fernandes, who is also a Congress general secretary in charge of the Northeast, was in Imphal for two days to oversee the party’s preparation for the forthcoming Assembly elections. The Election Commission announced that the polls would be held before March 17.
On his arrival on Sept. 12, Fernandes met Governor S.S. Sidhu to discuss the prevailing situation in the state. He also visited the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences on Sept. 12 and the Khomuan Lampak sports complex on Sept. 13
Addressing mediapersons before leaving Imphal, Fernandes said the NSCN (I-M) peace talks were moving in the right direction. However, he declined to disclose the details of the progress. “I am hopeful that we would be able to find a solution to the Naga problem. But disclosing the details of the dialogue is not in the interest of the peace talks.”
He said everything would be made public when both sides agreed to work out a solution. He admitted that the Naga political issue was a longstanding one and there was no easy road to a solution.
The chief negotiator said in coming days the ceasefire ground rules would be implemented effectively. “We discussed this during the last round of talks. Much more will be done on observance of ground rules in coming days.”
On the ongoing campaign by Naga NGOs in the four Naga-dominated districts of Manipur - Ukhrul, Senapati, Tamenglong and Chandel - for adoption of Nagaland syllabus, Fernandes hinted that the Centre would not interfere in the matter. “Education is a state subject,” he said.
On the Nagas’ refusal to pay hill house tax to the Manipur government, saying they it would pay only to the Centre, Fernandes said the Centre had no provision to collect hill house tax. It must be collected by the state government. “The Manipur government is capable of tackling these issues.”
Fernandes evaded a direct reply when asked if the government representatives would discuss these issues in the next rounds of negotiations if the NSCN (I-M) leaders raised them. “We will do whatever in our purview and we will not do things not in our purview.”
He said both the Centre and the Election Commission would provide whatever help is needed for a free and fair Assembly election.
On the development front, he promised all possible help from the Centre in making RIMS a world class health institute.
|
