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National

National

Substantial progress in talks: NSCN(I-M)

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The ongoing talks between the Centre and the Naga insurgent outfit National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) have entered a crucial phase with the two sides focusing on the key demand of the NSCN (I-M) relating to the unification of Naga-inhabited areas of the Northeast to form a "greater Nagaland."

After the talks here on Thursday, the NSCN (I-M) said that "substantial progress" was made in efforts to resolve the more than five-decade-old insurgency in Nagaland. "We are fully satisfied with this round of talks. We have made substantial progress in Thursday's meeting," said top NSCN (I-M) leader V.S. Atem, part of the group's seven-member team that participated in the talks which lasted over two hours.

Official sources said recent clashes between rival rebel factions and a "charter of demands" given by the outfit were also discussed.

The Central team comprised Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes, Union Minister of State for Home S. Regupathy, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office Prithviraj Chavan, interlocutor K. Padmanabhaiah, Home Secretary V.K. Duggal and Home Secretary-designate Madhukar Gupta. The NSCN (I-M) team was led by the outfit's president Isak Chisi Swu and general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah. The NSCN (I-M) leaders, based in Bangkok, have been in India since December 2006 and have also visited Nagaland.

"The discussions were held in a very cordial manner and there was good understanding of each other's position," Mr. Atem said. The two sides also agreed to meet again soon and the next round of talks could take place next month.

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