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Fernandes hopeful of solution to Naga problem

The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, dancing with Naga girls at Kohima on Friday. — PTI

Kohima Jan. 31. The Defence Minister, George Fernandes, today expressed hope that the decade-old Naga problem would be resolved amicably.

Addressing an election rally of the Nagaland People's Front, an ally of the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN), Mr. Fernandes lauded the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, for holding peace talks with the NSCN (I-M) leaders.

The DAN, comprising the Nagaland People's Front, the Samata Party, the JD (U), the NCP and the BJP, is fighting against the ruling Congress in the February 26 Assembly poll.

The Defence Minister, while praising the Naga soldiers for displaying valour during the Kargil conflict, said corruption should be weeded out from society for development of youth and children.The NCP general secretary, P.A. Sangma, regretted the Chief Minister, S.C. Jamir's strong opposition to Mr. Vajpayee's request to him (Mr. Sangma) to be a negotiator between the Centre and the NSCN (I-M) to expedite the peace process.

Mr. Sangma said there were some people in Nagaland who did not want peace and obstructed the peace process.

The president of Arunachal Congress and former Chief Minister, Gegong Apang, insisted on strengthening the DAN so that the alliance could dethrone the ruling Congress. — PTI

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