Socialist
leader and Former Defence Minister of India
‘ANY GROUP, ANY PLACE, ANY TIME’ That is what Union Defence Minister George Fernandes offered to undergrounds for peace talks. (Extract)
Union
Defence Minister George Fernandes express hope that the ongoing ‘ceasefire
agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN (I-M) would be extended
for another three months. The present ‘ceasefire agreement’ is ending on April
30. He also called upon all the undergrounds of the region to come forward and
hold talks with the Central Government of India for peace and tranquility
without condition at any time and place…He however announced that he was ready
to extend all possible help to uplift neglected states of the North East,
adding he had been associating with the people of North East throughout his past
50 years of political career and was a frequent visitor to the region….On human
rights violation by the Security forces, the Union Minister said that he would
not allow them to offend the dignity of the people, saying, if there were
proper evidence that security forces were involved in Human Rights violation,
he would firmly deal with.…Addressing a press conference at Imphal Raj Bhawan,
George Fernandes, the Defence Minister raised two important issues. One the
Army should not be used in internal disturbances like insurgency. Two, certain
aspects of the Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA) need to be repealed….Immediately
after becoming the Defence Minister Fernandes, who is well acquainted with the
problems plaguing the North East expressed his desire to withdraw troops
deployed in the region...Fernandes declared that he was ready to meet and talk
to any underground group in the region, at any place and any time to find
solutions to their problems….He also made it very clear that the new government
would pursue the peace talks with the NSCN (I-M), which were initiated by the
previous government. Without peace one could not dream of development, he said….He
also assured that the Assam Rifles would be withdrawn from the historic Kangla
Fort and the Centre would extend help to the State Government to end ethnic
clashes in the State.
Source:
George Fernandes Papers, MSS, NMML
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