Almost all North East groups are in talks with govt: Chidambaram

SHILLONG - Union Home Minister P. Chidambaram on Tuesday expressed satisfaction that several militant outfits of North East have entered into negotiations with government-appointed interlocutors.

Addressing the passing out parade of the North East Police Academy here, Chidambaram said: “I am happy to report that almost all groups or organizations are in talks with government-appointed interlocutors.”

Expressing confidence that the northeast could be turned into a “heaven of peace”, Chidambaram said: “Violence has no place in a democracy. A little more effort, a give-and-take attitude and more understanding can help address all issues.

“We have made an extra effort to hold out the hand of friendship to any person or organisation which comes forward to discuss problems,” he added.

He also referred to an ambitious plan to transform the North East Police Academy (NEPA) into a shinning example for other such institutions in the country.

He said that 85 crore rupees would be spent to add more facilities to NEPA, of which much work has already been completed.

He urged the NEPA authorities to expedite the work and complete all new facilities by March, 2013 instead of March, 2014, the target date.

He will visit interior Bishenpur and Churachandpur districts on Wednesday.

He is also likely to visit some designated camps of Kuki militants. (ANI)