Sep 14, 2004

Nagalim: Nagaland Talks 'begin next Month'


The Indian Government says Talks will start in October with a Rebel Faction in the North-East State of Nagaland
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Home ministry officials say the negotiations will be held with the Khaplang faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN).

The leaders of the faction say they have received the invitation, but no firm date has been set for talks.

Political parties in Nagaland have insisted on involving all Naga rebel factions in the talks.


Comprehensive settlement

The BBC's Subir Bhaumik in Calcutta says that the Khaplang faction declared a unilateral ceasefire with Indian security forces more than a year ago.

Earlier this year, faction heads met leaders of India's newly elected ruling alliance, led by the Congress party, and expressed their desire to start peace talks.

Another NSCN faction is already in talks with the government.

Political parties in Nagaland say that unless all Naga rebel factions are represented, it will not be possible to work out a comprehensive settlement of the Nagaland separatist problem.

Source: BBC News