Delhi readies 'acceptable' proposal for NSCN (IM)
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, August 23 2009: New Delhi is set to present a proposal to NSCN (IM), on which basis, the vexed issue of Naga insurgency may be resolved for good.

This was stated by Union Home Secretary GK Pillai, who was on a three day visit to the State visit to attend development seminars held at Senapati and Bishnupur.

GK Pillai also said that the facts of the July 23 Khwairamband killings would come out soon.

GK Pillai addressing media

Speaking to a group of media persons at Raj Bhawan today, the Home Secretary said that the peace parleys between Government of India and the NSCN (IM) have made substantial progress.

The two sides have come to an understanding for an autonomy under the constitution.

GK Pillai claimed positive developments can be expected soon.

To bring a lasting solution to the ongoing dialogue between the two sides, New Delhi would be presenting a comprehensive proposal to NSCN (IM).

The Union Government has also categorically informed the NSCN (IM) leadership, that the territorial integrity of Manipur cannot be disturbed under any circumstances, the Home Secretary said.

On being asked whether the proposed proposal can find an amicable solution to the decades long issue, GK Pillai said that the proposal would provide a ground for friendly negotiation.

Whether the proposal works or not, would depend on how NSCN (IM) leadership receive it, he added.

The Constitution of India is not inflexible.

Certain provisions of the Constitution may be amended, if required, to grant autonomy in such areas like finance, culture etc, Pillai said.

The proposal drafted for the NSCN (IM) is awaiting approval of the Union Cabinet.

On the Khwairamband killings of July 23, the Home Secretary said that the facts of the incident would be established in the course of the Judicial Inquiry.

Though he refused to give a detail comment on the incident, GK Pillai stated that the Government of India is against all encounters.

Rather, New Delhi is hoping for peace in the State.

Observing that the situation in Manipur is highly complex, the Union Secretary said that he has studied the security situation of Manipur with the Chief Secretary and the DGP.

Saying that development and law and order could not be separated, the Home Secretary lamented that the law and order situation is still grave, although several development projects have been implemented in the State.

Still, there were lots to be done on development and on the law and order front.

He also identified sports, agriculture, tourism and horticulture as potential sectors for generating employment.

Saying that taking up arms and extortion is no substitute for employment, the Home Secretary asserted that extortion should be checked effectively.

To a query about the continued imposition of Protected Area Permit system, which remains detrimental to the growth of tourism, he assured that the system would be revised and made more liberal.

He exuded confidence that some positive developments can be seen in the coming years.

On being asked about allegations of corruption at the time of recruitment, the Home Secretary said that due measures have been initiated to recruit Constables in Central paramilitary forces purely on merit and in a transparent manner.

The State Govt would also be issued written instructions to follow similar recruitment procedures, he said.

The Union Government has the right to conduct raids by using Income Tax personnel and other agencies in case there is information of corruption.

To a query about the Home Ministry's appreciation of State police on winning maximum gallantry awards and the simultaneous allegations of fake encounters, Pillai said that gallantry awards were given based on the recommendations made by the State Government.

"I don't think gallantry awards were given for encounters", Pillai said.

Nevertheless, the Home Secretary said that there were complaints against the award.

He said that he had discussed the matter with the DGP.

The DGP has been asked to take up certain measures and also to make commandos a disciplined force, he conveyed.

Commenting on the arrest of an IRB personnel for lobbing a grenade at a private hospital in connection with extortion, the Home Secretary suggested that stringent screening should be done before recruitment.

"Such bad elements should be removed and I have asked for their removal", he said.

Saying that New Delhi is prepared for dialogue with the insurgent groups of Manipur, the Home Secretary invited the insurgents to come out for negotiation.

He categorically asserted that provision of better vehicles and surveillance equipment to police under police modernisation was not militarisation.

Saying that a decision has been taken to take up border fencing in Manipur sector of Indo-Myanmar boundary, the Home Secretary conceded that there certain problems because of absence of border pillars and proper demarcation.

Nevertheless, border fencing work of 10 kms on Moreh side would be initiated this year, he said.

He also assured assistance from the side of the Union Government for constructing Manipur Police Forensic Science Laboratory.