PM's Nagaland visit to consolidate peace process

Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on Monday embarks on a critical three-day visit to Nagaland in an effort to consolidate the peace process in the sensitive northeastern state. 

Vajpayee's first visit to Nagaland as prime minister is part of his continuing efforts to usher peace in India's troubled states, say senior officials. Since August 1997, a ceasefire has been in force between the Naga rebels and security forces. It is likely to continue as long as "talks do not break down," said a senior official.

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Negotiations with the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (I-M) have made major headway in recent times with the leaders of the Naga rebel group visiting Delhi in January 2003 for the first time in almost 37 years for peace talks. Since then, the Centre's interlocutors, led by K Padmanabhaiah, had four rounds of talks with NSCN (I-M) representatives.

The prime minister would be briefed about the ongoing negotiations with the NSCN (I-M) and the security situation in the state.

The prime minister is expected to announce an economic package for the state, including several development projects.
Vajpayee would convey his strong support for peace when he meets representatives of several voluntary groups, church leaders, Naga Hoho, which is the apex body of tribals, Naga Mother's Association and some students groups.

"It is the first time that the prime minister would be interacting with such a large cross-section of people from Nagaland," points out a senior officer involved in affairs of the Northeast.

The state government will host a civic reception for the prime minister at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in Kohima.
The visit is also politically significant. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is heading an anti-Congress coalition, which includes the Bharatiya Janata Party among others. Rio is convener of the anti-Congress North Eastern Forum.
The BJP hopes that the prime minister's will help the party and its allies make further inroads into the Northeast.