Shivraj Patil discusses Naga issue

With the NSCN-IM jittery over the "delay" in solving the vexed Nagaland problem, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday discussed the issue at a high-level meeting.

With the NSCN-IM jittery over the "delay" in solving the vexed Nagaland problem, Union Home Minister Shivraj Patil on Tuesday discussed the issue at a high-level meeting.

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Besides Minister of State for Home Reghupathy and Union Minister Oscar Fernandes, who is playing a key role in restoring peace in Nagaland, Naga talk's interlocutor K Padmanabhiah and Union Home Secretary Madhukar Gupta were present in the meeting.

The 30-minute meeting, the first such exercise this year, was convened by Patil in North Block.

The NSCN-IM has expressed dissatisfaction over the "delay" in solving the Naga issue, with its leader R H Raising suggesting "a more positive approach" by the Centre.

Raising, who is in the capital, said "The government should not carry on with the delaying tactics but concentrate on addressing to our concerns".

NSCN-IM sources said the group is likely to rake up the issue of reconciliation as it feels genuine unification was only possible through reconciliation.

The NSCN-IM agreed to a ceasefire with the Centre in August 1997 and it has been extended several times and last year for an indefinite period. Over 60 rounds of talks have been held between the Centre and NSCN-IM.