Source: The Sangai Express / PTI
New Delhi, March 28:
Unification of Naga-inhabitated areas of the North East and fresh clashes between rival rebel factions are expected to dominate tomorrow's talks between the Government and NSCN-IM here, the second round of parleys since the group's two top leaders arrived in the country in December last year.
Apart from the violence in Nagaland, where three NSCN-IM cadres were killed allegedly by the rival Khaplang faction on Saturday, the two sides are likely to discuss several key subjects, including the rebels' demand for unification of Naga-inhabitated areas and its "charter of demands" to resolve the dragging insurgency.
A seven-member team headed by Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah will represent the NSCN-IM while a group of ministers led by Labour Minister Oscar Fernandes and the Centre's interlocutor K Padmanabhaiah will represent the Government.
"We are expecting tangible discussions, something concrete," a senior NSCN-IM leader said today.
The rebels are likely to press for "total control" by the Government over NSCN-K cadres who were allegedly behind recent attacks on NSCN-IM members.
Two NSCN-IM cadres were kidnapped and shot dead in Kohima allegedly by NSCN-K militants on Saturday.
In another incident in Wokha on the same day, NSCN-K members opened fire on cadres of NSCN-IM, killing a woman and injuring another person.
The NSCN-IM team may also meet top government leaders, including Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, during its stay in the capital.