No objection for greater Nagalim within Nagaland: Rebia

The Arunachal Pradesh Government today reacted to a report that appeared in some sections of the media yesterday claiming an 'idea of the Centre' to offer 'maximum autonomy with more administrative and financial control' to Nagas including those living outside Nagaland as an alternative to the demand for creation of a greater Nagalim.

The news-report also claimed that the two districts - Tirap and Changlang - of Arunachal are supposed to be included in the proposed 'Supra-State'. 'We have no objection to autonomy within the territory of Nagaland if the integrity of Arunachal Pradesh is not disturbed,' said government spokesperson Nabam Rebia in a statement today.

Seventeen districts, including the newly-created Longding district, form the culturally rich state of Arunachal Pradesh that boasts of 26 major and over 110 sub-tribes. Rebia observed that any disturbance in the territorial integrity of the state would destroy the very fabric of its distinct society living in peace and harmony since ages.

'We respect the sentiments of our Naga friends and we will not interfere in their internal matters. But we are pained with the reports claiming our three districts as part of the 'Supra state. Though we are not sure about the authenticity of media reports, we oppose any move that interferes into our state's affairs and its territory,' Rebia added.