Date:23/01/2003 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2003/01/23/stories/2003012304441100.htm

National

Naga peace talks extended

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI JAN. 22. The ongoing peace talks with the insurgent Naga leaders, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, have been extended by a day.

Highly-placed Government sources said that the Centre's talks at the official level with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (I-M) leaders would have two more sessions tomorrow. During the two sessions with Government officials today, both the sides explained their stand and expressed satisfaction over the progress so far.

There were indications that the Manipur Chief Minister, O. Ibobi Singh's claim yesterday may have stalled the talks. The Chief Minister had said that the Prime Minister, Atal Behari Vajpayee, had given an assurance that the territorial integrity of the State would not be disturbed. Sources today, however, said the Centre would adhere to the Constitutional position in the matter.

The two NSCN functionaries today called on the former Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao.