Naga peace talks: Manipur CM calls on PM

Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh on Tuesday called on Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to discuss the situation in his state following the government's initiative to hold talks with NSCN (I-M) leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah.

Singh reiterated that his state was opposed to the transfer of the Naga dominated districts of Ukhrul and Senapati and other areas to the 'Greater Nagaland' demanded by the NSCN (I-M).

Some Manipuri militant outfits have also threatened violence if the Centre went ahead with any such proposal.

Last year, the state had witnessed unprecedented violence following reports that the government has already agreed in principal to the NSCN (I-M)'s demands on this issue.

Ibobi Singh is scheduled to meet Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga later in the evening to discuss the Naga talks.

Zoramthanga has been involved in the talks since quite some time and had twice flown to Bangkok last year to meet NSCN (I-M) leaders. He has been camping in Delhi for almost a week in connection with the talks.

A senior government official confirmed that the NSCN leaders have begun talks with government officials in their bid to hammer out a solution to the Naga insurgency problem. However, he refused to disclose the location.

The talks are likely to last for a couple of days.

Nagaland Chief Minister S C Jamir has expressed anguish over not being included in the talks in which the Centre will be represented by former home secretary K Padmanabhaiah and Intelligence Bureau chief N K Singh along with other officials.