Talking with this reporter at the Police Guest House, Chumukedima on Saturday, Pandey said the centre was clearly focused on expediting the political negotiation towards an early solution which was also the same view of Naga public who had met him during the past few days.
“There is an essence of urgency in the minds of the Nagas,” he said.
Pandey said several things were discussed during his last meeting with NSCN (I-M) general secretary, Th. Muivah in New Delhi but that conclusions were yet to be evolved. Asked to elaborate on the talks, he said “these are matters of details which is difficult to disclose at this moment.” He said the next round of talks with the NSCN (I-M) would be held sometime in April.
When asked to comment on the statements made by other Naga political groups especially the GPRN/NSCN that any agreement reached between the India and the NSCN (I-M) would not be accepted by them, Pandey said the centre was working on how to operationalise inclusiveness of everyone involved. “Let us hope for the best,” he said.
On whether the Centre would also be negotiating with the other groups, Pandey said the matter would be decided at a later stage though he did not elaborate.
Pandey also said the government of India has already made known what it can accede even to the extent of making necessary amendments to the constitution wherever possible.
Restating that the constitution of India has a concept of “shared sovereignty,” Pandey said in the case of Nagaland there was a feeling that some amendments have to be made within the existing framework though specific details would come up during negotiations.
“We have recognized uniqueness of Nagas,” he added.
Pandey also said the state government has to play a “very useful role” in finding a solution to the Naga political problem.