Govt vigilant on foreign powers trying to wield influence

New Delhi, Jan 31 (PTI) The government today saidthere could be "a grain of truth" in some reports aboutnortheast insurgent groups having links with China butasserted it was vigilant against foreign powers trying towield influence anywhere in India.

Home Minister P Chidambaram said Naga rebel groupNSCN-IM was in peace negotiations with the government and hewas looking forward to an honourable and just solution to theissue.

"From time-to-time there will be such reports. Perhapsmay be a grain of truth in such reports. But I don''t want topay too much attention to these reports. I would like to goforward in the talks," he told reporters when asked about newsof the Naga group having close ties with China.

Chidambaram said there have been several positivedevelopments in the recent past including attempts by theFederation for Naga Reconciliation to bring all Naga groupstogether and return of NSCN-IM chairman Isak Chisi Swu toIndia.

"I think we should look into the positive developmentsover the past few months. While we will be vigilant, we mustemphasise on positives and try to reach an honourable and justsolution to the Naga issue," he said.

The Home Minister said the government is alwaysvigilant against foreign powers wielding influence in any partof the country and takes every report seriously, though someare true, some are not or some reports even though trueexaggerated.

Chidambaram also referred to the recent arrest of afew Chinese citizens when they tried to cross the Indo-Nepalborder.

"Recently we arrested some Chinese citizens when theytried to enter India through India-Nepal border. All we foundthey were engaging in activities seemed unusual. All thesehappened in last two week. So we are quite vigilant," he said.

Asked about the travel of a Chinese woman to Nagalandand meeting NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah, the HomeMinister said investigating agencies have found nothingillegal that she had done.

"There is no evidence except that she roamed aroundand took some pictures. I don''t know whether she actuallyviolated the law," he said.