NSCN (K) talk likely in August

Imphal, January 30: The Khaplang faction of the NSCN is all set to hold political dialogue with the Government of India by August this year. Well-placed sources close to the NSCN (K) supremo SS Khaplang disclosed to the Network .that if everything goes well, Khaplang and his aides would start political dialogue even before August this year. The source said that the leaders of the Khaplang group including the cabinet ministers and high ranking officials of the underground government are now holding intensive and extensive discussion to chalk out strategies for the dialogue at one of the base camps situated somewhere in Myanmar. Though the NSCN (K) had chosen the venue of the dialogue, it is yet to be finalised with New Delhi, the source said, asserting that whatever may be the criteria and condition, the talks should be only held within Nagaland State, either in Kohima or Mokokchung but never at New Delhi. Meanwhile, the Nagaland opposition parties, NPF has finalized its list of candidates for the forthcoming Assembly election and it would be announced in the presence of Defence Minister George Femandes at Kohima tomorrow. Talking to newspersons, erstwhile right hand man of SS Jamir but who has become his political nemesis, Nephiu Rio said that George Fernandes would be the main crowd puller at tomorrow's NPF rally which would also be the kick off function for the February 26 election campaign. However, sources informed the Network that the opposition NPF is finding it hard to get a right candidate to be fielded against the State Chief Minister SC Jamir who is contesting from 26-Aonglenden AC in Mokokchung district, which is regarded as the stronghold of Ao tribe to which the former belongs.