Dimapur, January 01: Union Defence Minister AK Antony has said that the Naga peace talks are on the right track.

The Union Minister also said that sincere and genuine efforts have been put forth in order to solve the Naga issue.

The Union Defence Minister who arrived at Nagaland today said that the various proposals put up by the NSCN-IM to the Government of India will be considered.

Anthony said this while talking to journalists at 3 Corps Headquarters, Rangapahar near Dimapur.

The Defence Minister, however added that time frame for finding the Naga solution cannot be given as the success of the peace talks could not be measured in terms of time.

The Union Minister also said that efforts would be made to strictly adhere to the ceasefire enforced in the State adding the army would not intervene.

"It is up to the State Government and the administration to look into such issues," he said.

Antony also claimed the ceasefire with the two factions of NSCN "has been working successfully for the past ten years".

The minister said the Government was talking to the NSCN (IM), and "we want a peaceful and lasting solution to the Naga issue." Antony also admitted the factional clashes amidst political negotiations had posed a challenge from time to time.

"Preserving and maintaining peace during ceasefire is a challenging and difficult task," he said adding this called for a lot of patience, maturity and restrain.

Antony also dismissed speculations that Centre could launch a Bhutan-type operation along the Indo-Myanmar border to flush out rebels of India's northeast taking shelter in the porous border areas.

To a query, he said India had already conveyed its concern to Myanmar and Bangladesh about the presence of NE rebels on their soil.

Antony also denied Bangladesh was assisting the rebels of the Northeast taking shelter in that country.

The minister explained that the recent visits of the three service chiefs and President of India to Myanmar were aimed at boosting Indo-Myanmar relationship.

On Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, he said the Centre was open to amendment to make it "more humane".

He said the current situation as in Assam called for the applicability of AFSPA in the region.

The minister visibly appeared satisfied with the present situation in Manipur.

He expressed the hope polls in Manipur could be conducted in free and fair manner.

Antony said the attacks launched by the ULFA on the migrants were "unexpected".

The minister was also not ready to accept that Assam government and the security forces had miserably failed to contain violence in the State.

He said if "they (ULFA) were willing to abjure violence, we are ready for direct talks" with them.

Earlier addressing jawans and officers at a Sainik Sanmelan the minister expressed appreciation to them for their patience in conducting operations "even under extreme provocation".

He hoped the jawans would continue to show the same high standards of discipline, maturity and professional conduct in the future.

He also assured that necessary steps would be taken to ensure the welfare of the families and children of the personnel.

Earlier, State Home Minister Thenucho received Atony at the airport.

Antony was accompanied by Army Chief General J.J.Singh and Defence Secretary Sekhar Dutt.

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