DIMAPUR, MAR 2 (MExN): Peace talks between the Centre and NSCN (I-M) resume today. Led by General Secretary Th Muivah, the Naga group will delve into issues which will “explore” possibilities of the proposed ‘federal relationship’, senior NSCN (I-M) leader Rh Raising, stated from Delhi. A meeting with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh is to follow suit.
When asked if Dutch facilitator, Dr Michael C van Walt van Praag, would engage in the talks as a mediator, Raising replied in the negative by saying that the ‘Kreddha’ member was only a catalyst who has been pushing the peace process forward. “Praag is a friend of both India and the Nagas,” he said, “If it were not for him, the talks would have collapsed a long time back.”
Talks were earlier stalled due to “inconveniences” caused by assembly polls. This time around, “important issues” which form part of the “overall exercise” are expected to be touched.
