Kohima, January 21: The Nagaland Home Minister Dr TM Lotha called upon the different Naga underground factions to sink their differences and work together for their common goal.

Speaking to NEPS, the Home Minister said, �I see no reason why they (Naga underground factions) couldn�t come together because they are fighting for the same cause.� Besides, he further explained, it was the Naga people�s cherished dream that they should reconcile each other and fight together to achieve the common goal.

Elaborating further on the role of the DAN Government with respect to peace process, Dr Lotha said the idea of being �facilitator� to the peace process as propounded by their Government was to help the peace process move forward.

�Therefore, the whole concept of facilitator is that the DAN Government should not come on the way to the process,� he pointed out.

On the earmarking of a separate budget from the Government of India to sustain designated camps of the NSCN factions as often mooted by some sections of people, the Home Minister said such idea of proposing a separate budget from the Government of India for the sustenance of the designated camps of the both NSCN factions wasn�t the correct move.

�The Underground leaders also thought that once they accept funds from the Government of India to run their designated camps they are currently staying in will be tantamount to agreeing to peace camp style,� Dr Lotha explained.

�This they (both NSCNs) don�t want.� �Now suppose the NSCN (IM) and the Government of India comes to certain settlement following political dialogues, then they (NSCN-IM) can accept such grant,� the Home Minister said.

�But when talks are going on, mooting or suggesting for earmarking some funds from the Government of India or for that matter from the State Government will not be appropriate,� Dr Lotha pointed out.

Comment