By IANS,
New Delhi : Talks with the insurgent groups in the northeast as well as with Maoists could be held only if they laid down arms, the government said categorically Wednesday.
The issue figured through two separate questions in the Rajya Sabha, and Home Minister P. Chidambaram replied in similar vein to both of them.
Speaking about insurgent groups in the northeast, Chidambaram said: “Our stand is clear. Lay down arms, give up demands for sovereignty and talks can be held… My appeal is common to all insurgent groups (in the northeast). Give up demands for sovereignty and lay down your arms. This will open the way for talks.”
Reminding the house that he had last week hoped that the United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) would make a political statement offering talks with the government, the home minister said: “No, such offer has not come. If they make an offer, we will talk.”
Kumar Deepak Das of the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) attempted to, but failed to trip up Chidambaram by pointing out that the government was in talks with the Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) even though it had not given up its demand for sovereignty.
The minister’s response was measured: “There is a ceasefire in place (in Nagaland). By and large, it has brought down the levels of violence. We are in touch with both factions (of the NSCN). At this moment, I am not in a position to disclose anything more.
“I am confident that both groups will move on the line of talks,” he added.
He was equally circumspect when asked whether ULFA chief Arabinda Rajkhowa had been arrested or had surrendered.
“The BSF (Border Security Force) apprehended three people on the Meghalaya-Bangladesh border. A team from the Assam Police took custody of the three persons after their identities were established since they are involved in cases in Assam,” Chidambaram replied, without taking names.
S.S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party) angrily asked how the government expected talks with Rajkhowa in handcuffs, referring to photographs of the ULFA chief being produced in a Guwahati court.
Pat came the reply: “If there is an offer for talks, these will be conducted with due dignity.”
Asked whether any leaders of the National Democratic Front of Bodoland (NDBF) had been arrested and whether the government would hold talks with the group that is demanding a separate Bodoland, Chidambaram said: “There are talks with the pro-talk faction through an interlocutor.”
Replying to a supplementary on whether any leader of the National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) was in custody in Bangladesh, the minister said: “Thanks to the coordinated effort of the central government and the Tripura government, militant activities have by and large been contained. I don’t think there is a threat from the NLFT or any other group.”
“Whether or not anyone is in custody, I do not know,” he added.
Replying to a question on whether the government would make special efforts to contact Maoist leaders, Chidambaram said: “I do appreciate the sentiments of the honourable member but there is no room for sending contradictory signals. If the Naxalites (Maoists) abjure violence, talks can be held on any matter of concern.
“Some well-meaning groups are there (acting as go-betweens). I am encouraging them. So far, we have not received any concrete offer (from the Maoists),” the minister added.