Proposed 'Supra-State' irks Arunachal Government

Itanagar, Apr 7 (ANI): Reacting strongly to any alleged move by the Centre to offer "maximum autonomy with administrative and financial control" to Nagas, including those living outside Nagaland, the Arunachal Pradesh Government has rejected any proposal to make its districts part of the 'Greater Nagalim'.

Government of Arunachal Pradesh spokesperson Nabam Rebia made this statement while reacting to a report that appeared in some sections of the media on Friday, claiming that two Arunachal districts of Tirap and Changlang are supposed to be included in the proposed 'Supra-State'.

"We have no objection to autonomy within the territory of Nagaland if the integrity of Arunachal Pradesh is not disturbed," said GoAP spokesperson Rebia.

Sixteen districts - now 17 after creation of Longding district recently - form the culturally rich state of Arunachal that boasts of 26 major and over 110 sub-tribes, reflecting unity in diversity, cultural richness, a strong bond of unity and brotherhood, Rebia said.

He further pointed that any disturbance in the territorial integrity of the state would destroy the very fabric of its distinct society living in peace and harmony since ages.

"We respect the sentiments of our Naga friends and we will not interfere in their internal matters. But we are pained with the reports that they are claiming our three districts as part of the 'Supra state'. Though we are not sure about the authenticity of media reports, we oppose any move that interferes into our state's affairs and its territory," Rebia added.

The Centre has already made it clear to the NSCN (IM) top leaders that there would be no redrawing of the existing boundaries of Nagaland and other neighbouring states.

However, if the media report is any indication, NSCN (IM) general secretary Thuinglenag Muivah and chairman Isak Chishi Swu, who are currently in New Delhi to hold another round of peace talks with interlocutor RS Pandey, are believed to be toying with the idea.

They are likely to call on Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh and Home Minister P Chidambaram. (ANI)