Naga Peace Talks: Amit Shah likely to visit Manipur to discuss issue with stakeholders

IMPHAL: Union home minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Manipur this month to discuss the vexed Naga issue with various stakeholders in the State.

A spokesperson of Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio informed that as a prelude to Shah’s visit to Manipur, Assam finance and health minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hurriedly visited Kohima two days back and held a closed-door meeting with the chief minister.

According to reports, Himanta was assigned by Shah with the task of studying the political situation in reference to the Naga issue in Nagaland and also hold discussions with various personalities, political parties and groups including civil society groups.

Sarma is also the convener of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a conglomerate of various regional and national political parties of Northeast states.

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Before visiting Nagaland, Sarma told the media in Guwahati that the Centre is working towards a final solution of the Naga issue which goes along the unique history and traditions of Naga society.

“I strongly feel if Naga leadership wants to sign the accord, this is the right time. I once again appeal to them that they should sign the agreement and lead Nagaland to a durable solution. The entire northeast is looking forward to it,” said Sarma, who is often dealing with various important issues of the northeast region.

“There should be smooth sailing of the Naga issue. The Union government has taken into confidence all the concerned Northeast states on the issue,” the Assam minister said.

In Imphal, confirming Union home minister’s visit to Manipur, chief minister N Biren Singh while talking to the media said that Shah had expressed the desire to meet all elected representatives and other stakeholders, including members of civil society organisations, and discuss the Naga issue in Manipur.

“Date of Shah’s visit was yet to be finalised,” said Singh who has earned kudos after the BJP’s huge success to wrest four of the five assembly seats in the November 7 byelections, result of which was declared on November 10.

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