Naga talks: AP welcomes Central govt's decision to consult all stakeholders

Itanagar: Arunachal Pradesh on Friday welcomed the Centre's decision to consult all stakeholders, including the three states sharing borders with Nagaland, before finalising any settlement in the Naga peace process.

Several organisations led by the apex students body, All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union (AAPSU), also reiterated that the outcome of the Naga peace process should not disturb the state's territorial jurisdiction. The Centre on Thursday said it is yet to conclude talks with Naga insurgent groups and will consult all stakeholders including the states of Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh before finalisation of any settlement.

Welcoming the central government's decision to consult all stakeholders on the issue, Arunachal Pradesh Home Minister Bamang Felix termed it as a "comprehensive policy".

"The state government will place its opinion to the Centre keeping in view the interest of the state and its people when called for consultation," Felix said. AAPSU General Secretary Tabom Dai also welcomed the central government's decision but said administrative interferences within the territory of Arunachal Pradesh would not be tolerated at any cost.

"The ongoing peace talks should have been more transparent from the very beginning for all stakeholders to follow and place their valued opinion," Dai said. Arunachal Civil Society (ACS) chairperson Patey Tayum said if the Centre accepts the NSCN-IM's demand for unification of all Naga inhabited areas, the people in three eastern districts of the state would suffer a lot.