India to celebrate 60th year of Independence

Kohima, Jul 11: A midnight session of Parliament will be held on the night of 14th and 15th August to celebrate the country's 60th year of Independence, Union Minister of Labour and AICC General Secretary Oscar Fernandes had said.

Mr Fernandes, who was on a visit to the North Eastern states including Nagaland yesterday, to campaign for the UPA-Left party-sponsored presidential candidate Pratibha Patil, expressed hope that Mrs Patil would assume office on July 25 after the elections to become the 12th President of India.

Regarding the ongoing Naga peace talks, the Union Minister said that talks with the Naga groups would continue as it is treading on right path and said that the talks will continue until a solution on the issue evolves. He, however, said that he could not give any time frame, but asserted that the talks were going on a positive note and on the right direction.

Regarding his involvement in the peace talks, Mr Fernandes said that he did not want to involve in the negotiations with the Naga leaders. Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh had previously approached him in this regard as he was a bit hesitant and thought that the Naga leaders would not feel comfortable.

UNI