Question : NEGOTIATION WITH HOSTILE NAGA GROUPS

(a) whether the Government have initiated fresh negotiations with the Hostile Naga Groups;

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the terms and conditions settled for the purpose;

(c) whether the Union Government have authorised the State Government of Nagaland to deal with the remaining vestiges of the insurgency;

(d) if so, the details in this regard; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to bring two rival groups viz. NSCN (IM) and NSCN(K) to negotiate under one roof and bring normalcy and peace in the State?

MINISTER OF HOME AFFAIRS

(SHRI L.K. ADVANI)

(a) to (e): A Statement is laid on the Table of the House.

STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO.709 BY DR. NITISH SENGUPTA AND SHRI K.A. SANGTAM FOR REPLY ON MAY 16, 2000

(a) to (e): There is an ongoing ceasefire with the NSCN (I/M) which is currently valid upto 31.7.2000. As negotiations are continuing, it would not be appropriate to disclose the details. In a recent press release, the NSCN(K) has offered to enter into a formal ceasefire with the Government of India. The State Government of Nagaland is fully competent to deal with insurgency/ militancy on its own. The Government of India hopes that the two NSCN groups will put an end to violence and come forward for negotiations.