Integration of Naga areas not possible: Pillai

KOHIMA, Oct 19 – Union Home Secretary GK Pillai has said that in the present circumstances in the North East, the ‘physical integration of Naga-inhabited areas’ is not possible.

He, however, said the Centre can explore possibility of development of Nagas in the areas of culture, social practices and customary laws through some mechanism. He also said that the Centre will try to be accommodative as much as possible in terms of the proposed package which will be open for negotiation and discussion as the Constitution of India is amendable.

Pillai had arrived in Kohima on Tuesday and left the Nagaland capital on Wednesday last.

He stated here on Wednesday that the primary issue of his visit to Nagaland was to get the views from all sections of Naga society with regard to the political proposal, which is under preparation by the Government of India to bring about an honourable political settlement, acceptable to the Naga people and Government of India.

Addressing a press conference at Hotel Japfu in Kohima, the Union Home Secretary stated that the political package would be the basis on which further negotiations could take place to arrive at an honourable settlement, adding that it would be a substantive political package.

He said amendment of the Constitution of India is definitely a part of the package the Centre will make in the offer. He said the Centre will try to be accommodative as much as possible in terms of the proposed package which will be open for negotiation and discussion. He said the proposed peace package by the Centre to the Naga people was an offer and not a conditional package.

He expressed optimism that the political package would be ready before the year ends. He also stated that the presentation of the package would not harm any unity process and it would be one, which is unique to Nagas.

On the issue of integration of Naga inhabited areas he said in the present circumstances in the North East the physical integration of Naga inhabited areas was not possible.

He disclosed that various development issues such as health and roads were discussed in his meeting with the State Government officials. He said that setting up a Medical College in the State, roads and their maintenance, expediting the revival of Tuli Paper Mill, issue of unemployed youth were some of the issues that were discussed.

He said that with regard to relaxation on restrictions on foreigners visiting Nagaland, the State Government would be submitting proposals. He also disclosed that the State has the lowest number of trained teachers and seven districts in the State still do not have any Teachers Training Institutes, for which the State Government has sought his help. He said that the ideas and suggestions that came up during the two day extensive consultations would be communicated back to the Union Home Minister and the Prime Minister.