NSC to take a call on Naga integration

The National Security Council (NSC) headed by PM Manmohan Singh will be briefed on the Naga peace process tomorrow after which it will take a view on whether to approach the civil and political leadership of Assam and Manipur on the integration of Naga-inhabited areas.

The Centre and the NSCN(I-M) are likely to hold the next round of talks in Bangkok in late November. The NSCN(I-M), which refused to extend the truce beyond six months, had in decided to adopt a ‘‘step by step’’ approach to issues like ‘‘integration of Naga-inhabited areas’’ and ‘‘special federal relationship with India’’.

The Central team led by Minister of State for Programme Implementation Oscar Fernandes wants to approach leadership of other Northeastern states on the integration issue to prevent talks from breaking down.