Home Minister Shivraj Patil has claimed he’s not ‘‘unduly worried’’ about the NSCN(I-M) advertising for recruitment to the self-styled Government of People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN) but his Ministry has sought an explanation from the outfit’s Bangkok-based leaders.The NSCN(I-M) had issued ads on September 7 in local Nagaland and Manipur papers, seeking candidates for various posts including ‘‘under secretaries’’ and ‘‘section officers’’.The Centre’s interlocutor, K. Padmanabhaiah, has spoken to Isak Chisi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, expressing the Government’s concern that the ads are a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Sources said Swu and Muivah replied that they were unaware of the ads. They, however, assured the Government that they would check with the local leaders why the ads were issued. The ads violated the ceasefire rules, which clearly state there will be ‘‘no kidnapping and no recruitment’’ by the NSCN(I-M), sources said. The ceasefire, announced in 1997, was renewed on July 31. Also, the concept of Nagalim or Greater Nagaland is one of the major contentious issues that nearly brought the peace process to a standstill.NSCN talks with the Centre have been stuck mainly due to the outfit’s demand for Greater Nagaland — including Naga-dominated areas of Manipur and Assam. ‘‘This is the most sensitive issue and the outfit has raked it up in a manner which can create serious problems, not only in Nagaland but also in neighbouring Manipur which is anyway simmering,’’ a Home Ministry official said. The dates for the next round of dialogue have not been decided yet.
