India to go maximum extent to find solution to Naga issue: Pillai

NEW DELHI - Union Home Secretary G K Pillai has said that the Central Government would go maximum extent possible to find a solution to the vexed Naga issue.

“All I can assure you from the Government of India side is that you will not find us wanting, we would be flexible, we would recognize the history of the Nagas,” said Pillai.

“We would try to go the maximum extent possible to find a solution which is honourable and which everybody can accept and live in peace in the future,” he added.

Pillai sought cooperation from the community in moving ahead with the peace talks.

“I only hope that we will have and I would request all your cooperation in the months to come as we go ahead with these peace talks. It’s not easy, there are lots of difficulties ahead of us; let us not minimize the problems that lie ahead,” said Pillai.

“But I have no doubt that if there is sincerity and goodwill on both sides we should be able to find a solution to the problem that has lingered for more than 60 years,” he added.

Earlier this month, the leaders of the powerful Nagaland rebel group National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Isak Muivah (NSCN-IM) held talks with the Centre eyeing upon carrying forward the peace talks.

The NSCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah headed the delegation to New Delhi last month.SCN-IM General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah led the Naga delegation.he Centre had offered a 1986 Mizo Accord-type solution to the (NSCN-IM), which the group rejected.

The NSCN-IM wants ‘Gretaer Nagaland’ comprising Naga-inhabited areas of the neighbouring states of Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, which would unite 1.2 million Nagas, a demand opposed by these states. (ANI)