Efforts on to Hold Talks With Naga Groups: Chidambaram

Solution should assure Nagas dignity, equal rights

Centre cannot overreach State government

New Delhi, Aug 20 : Underlining the Centre's initiative for resolving the imbroglio affecting Manipur, Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Thursday while assuring the Lok Sabha that the territorial integrity of the State would not be affected, offered to hold talks with the agitated Naga groups and amend the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

Replying to a calling attention motion, Mr. Chidambaram said that his Ministry had proposed amendments to the AFSPA, but added that it was a difficult issue. He categorically said that “we have to consult everybody and carry everybody with us before the amendments are made.”

Some members who had sponsored the motion had demanded that the AFSPA be annulled altogether. The motion had been sponsored by Gurudas Dasgupta, Bijoya Chakraborty, Basudeb Acharia, Shailendra Kumar and Thokchom Meinya.

As for finding a political solution to the problem in Manipur, which was subjected to an economic blockade for almost 70 days, Mr. Chidambaram said there was no question of affecting the territorial integrity of Manipur, but added that the demands of the Nagas, whether articulated by the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) or any other group, would be addressed.

Pointing out that the economic blockade had its genesis in Manipur's Autonomous Hill Districts Council elections, which the NSCN-IM and other Naga groups had boycotted, Mr. Chidambaram said the Centre was now making efforts, formal and informal, to bring these groups to the table for talks after they refused to attend the meetings convened by the Manipur government.

“The Government of India cannot overreach the government of Manipur and invite them for talks. But efforts are being made to bring the Naga groups to the table so that we can talk out our differences.”

He said the solution had to be found within the Constitution, given the pluralistic character of the country and it was inconceivable to break up States, Nagas being present in Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh. The solution had to be such as to “assure the Nagas dignity, honour, equal rights and equal place even while preserving the integrity of States.” He expressed confidence that the problem affecting the Autonomous District Council, the law, and the manner in which the elections were held could be resolved if all the parties concerned sat down face to face.