Morung Express News
September 20
DIMAPUR : Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee, today said that some progress had been made in the Indo-Naga peace talks although he pointed out that the issue was complex and no readymade solution could be found to such a vexed political problem.
He was addressing media persons at the Army’s 3 Corps headquarters, Rangapahar after arriving from Kolkata. He was accompanied by Chief of Army Staff JJ Singh besides other high ranking army officials. This is his first visit to Nagaland as Defence Minister. Mukherjee said that peace in Nagaland had fostered a conducive atmosphere for people in general.
He said the main purpose for his visit to Nagaland was to hold interactions with troops who are engaged in protecting the international border. He also said he was unable to meet political leaders of the State because of time constraints while stating that he had been associated with Nagaland for the past 35 years in various capacities in the government as well as in the Congress party.
Replying to Pramod Mahajan’s earlier statement during the former’s recent visit to Dimapur wherein he had stated that the UPA government was derailing the peace process, the veteran Congress leader said, “What is necessary is to appreciate the acceptable solutions among the contesting parties.”
The Defence Minister has also welcomed the gesture of ULFA forming a citizen’s committee to initiate peace process to end decades-long violence in Assam but pointed out that the militant outfit should first cease their hostility to create a conducive atmosphere. “The formation of the citizen’s committee is a welcome step but it is premature to make comment at this stage as how the things will emerge”, the Defence minister told.
The Defence minister arrived here on a three-day visit to north-eastern states to take stock of the ground situation in forward posts by holding review meetings with the army officials.
On September 21, he will visit Leimakhong and address the troops there. He will also hold talks with the Inspector General, Assam Rifles (IGAR-South).
On the same day, Mukherjee will leave for Aizawl where he is scheduled to inaugurate an Army recruiting office followed by his visit to Tezpur where he will be briefed about the security scenario by the GOC, 4 Corps.
On Sepember 22, Mukherjee will hold meetings with Army officials at Tawang and Tenga in Arunachal Pradesh.
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