Centre, NSCN-IM hold talks in Kohima

Kohima, June 1 (ANI): The Centre and the National Socialist Council of Nagaland-(Isac-Muivah) on Tuesday held peace talks for the first time in 13 years in Nagaland.

Declining to reveal details about today's talks, members of both the factions expressed their commitment to explore all possibilities to arrive at a consensus on "certain issues" which are "sensitive".

The meet, held at the Heritage Complex of Kohima, discussed the contentious issue of integration of Naga-inhabited areas, and sovereignty; an old demand of NSCN (I-M).

Former Chief Secretary of Nagaland and the recently appointed New Delhi's interlocutor, R.S Pandey, represented the Central Government while NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah led the 12-member team of NSCN-IM during the meet.

It is pertinent to mention that all official dialogue between the two sides have been held either in the natinal capital or abroad for finding out an amicable and hnourable settlement to the long-drawn Naga political conflict.

Today's talks that lasted for three hours were a close-door meet.

Meanwhile, both the groups aim to find an honorable settlement to the long-drawn Naga political conflict.

During the talks, the NSCN-IM also acknowledged the Central Government's difficulties in certain areas on the Naga issue.

On the integrity issue, in establishing a single administrative set up of all the Naga-inhabited areas in the region, the Centre's interlocutor, RS Pandey said that the Centre needs a consensus among the States concerned on the issue.

Wide-ranging issues, based on a set of proposals submitted earlier by the NSCN-IM to the Government of India, were discussed at the meeting, said RS Pandey.

The Kohima-talk was the fourth round of talks after the Central Government invited the NSCN-IM General Secretary this year in February.

Many senior members of the outfit also attended the historic talk. (ANI)