Talks with NSCN (I-M) a step forward: Advani

Deputy Prime Minister Lal Kishenchand Advani on Monday said the proposed talks with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muviah) on January 9 are a step in the right direction and the Centre is planning on reaching some kind of resolution.

"This is the first time that the leaders of the NSCN (I-M) are coming to India. Earlier all the leaders used to have talks at different locations outside India. We had talks in Europe and again in Bangkok. I am happy to see that they are coming to India this time."

Advani was addressing reporters at the Rambhau Mhalgi Prabodhini institute in Uttan, 30 kilometres from Mumbai.

Advani also said that the talks with the Bodo Liberation Tiger was also progressing well, refusing at the same time to draw parallels between the insurgency in North East and in Jammu & Kashmir.

"There is no question of tripartite talks in J&K. And, I don't want someone to be spokesperson of Pakistan talking to us," said Advani indirectly hinting at the separatist group, the All Parties Hurriyat Conference.

Asked about Mufti Mohammad Sayeed's stance on the soft approach towards terrorism, Advani said, "Mufti Mohammad Sayeed told me that he was elected for three reasons. Firstly, he had told people that he would give peace; secondly, good governance and thirdly socio-economic matters of justice. I told him that the second and third point is his look out. But as far as peace is concerned, he should talk to the Centre because of security reasons. We have agreed to form a committee that will look into the earlier releases."

The J&K government had come under severe criticism after it had released many former terrorists being held in different prisons.