Shah likely to visit Manipur to discuss Naga issue

Imphal/Kohima, Nov 13 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Manipur this month to discuss the politically significant Naga issue with various stakeholders, officials said on Friday.
An official of Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that as a prelude to Shah’s visit to Manipur, Assam Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hurriedly visited Kohima two days back and held a close door marathon meeting with the Chief Minister.
Though Sarma refused to disclose any point of his discussion with the Nagaland Chief Minister, sources close to the BJP leader said that he was assigned by Shah with the task of studying the political situation in reference to the Naga issue in Nagaland and also hold discussions with various personalities, political parties and groups including civil society groups.
Sarma is also the convener of the Bharatiya Janata Party-led North East Democratic Alliance (NEDA), a conglomerate of various regional and national political parties of northeastern states.
Before visiting Nagaland, Sarma told the media in Guwahati that the Centre is working towards a final solution of the Naga issue which goes along the unique history and traditions of Naga society.
“I strongly feel if Naga leadership wants to sign the accord, this is the right time. I once again appeal to them that they should sign the agreement and lead Nagaland to a durable solution. The entire northeast is looking forward to it,” said Sarma, who is often dealing with various important issues of the northeast region.