Newmai News Network
Imphal | September 13
Union minister, Oscar Fernandes said in Imphal today that all efforts would be made to sort out substantive issues involved in the ongoing peace talk with the NSCN (IM) during the added year of extension of the cease-fire.
Fernandes, who is one of New Delhi’s representatives holding negotiations with NSCN (IM) leadership visited Manipur yesterday afternoon and he left Imphal this morning. He visited the state to take stock of affairs of the Manipur Congress (I).
Talking to newsmen before leaving Imphal this morning Fernandes said he is optimistic to find out a solution, but refused to disclose details. He said disclosing everything at this stage will not be in the interest of the peace process.
Fernandes, however, said that everything would be made public when something concrete could be worked out during the forthcoming negotiations. He did not say when the peace talk will resume.
On cease fire ground rules of the NSCN (IM) cadres the Union minister said, in the coming days, cease-fire ground rules will be implemented effectively.
Much more will be done in the coming days on the observance of ground rules.
Replying to a question on the stance of the Centre on the demand for separate education policy like adoption Nagaland syllabus in the four hill distrticts of Manipur as being demanded by the Naga organizations the Union minister said education as a state subject is to be tackled by the state.
Commenting on the recent visit by a delegation of Naga organizations to Delhi to pay hill house tax of Nagas living in Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong districts Fernandes said there is no provision of the Centre to collect hill house tax. It is to be collected by the state government. He reiterated that these are state subjects and the Manipur government can tackle with these problems.
Fernandes also disclosed that there will be a forward movement of peace process with some militant groups in Manipur within reasonable time.
On the holding a free and fair Manipur assembly elections, he said that the Election Commission can take whatever necessary steps to hold smooth polling. He said the CPI, a partner in the Ibobi Singh’s Secular Progressive Front ministry is still in good relation with the Congress and he held informal chat yesterday with AB Vardhan, CPI general secretary now camping in Imphal.
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