Factional clashes a challenge to ongoing parleys: Antony

Rangapahar, Nagaland, Jan 11: Defence Minister A K Antony has admitted that the ongoing inter-factional clashes in Nagaland are posing a major challenge to the ongoing negotiations between the Centre and the NSCN.

Addressing a press conference here yesterday, Mr Antony said, '' the Army cannot do anything in the inter-factional clashes.It is the duty of state's law enforcing agencies. Army can take action if things go beyond a limits.'' He further said the Centre is ''very serious'' regarding the Naga talks, which are going on smoothly and in the right direction and added that the Centre wants an amicable solution to the problem.

Expressing concern over sheltering of North East militant by Myanmar and Bangladesh, the Defence Minister said the matters would be solved by bi-lateral talks with those countries.

He had also categorically denied any 'Bhutan type' joint operation in Myanmar and added that India is trying to improve relation with all the neighbouring countries for their mutual economic benefits.

He also informed the reporters here he has written letters to the Chief Ministers and the Rajya Sainik Boards of all the states to provide utmost care to the families of the Armed forces personnel working in the ''difficult areas''.

UNI