Chidambaram discusses with Naga CM on separate state demand

"It was a very frank and constructive discussion. The Union Home Minister said a separate state is not viable but he is sympathetic for the speedy development of Eastern Nagaland," Nagaland Home Minister Imkong Imchen told PTI.

Earlier, Chidambaram had invited the Chief Minister as well as leaders of ENPO to discuss the separate statehood demand.

Imkong, along with other senior Ministers from eastern part of Nagaland, accompanied the Chief Minister to the meeting.

Imkong said Chidambaram has supported the idea of creating an autonomus council for the eastern Nagaland district for its speedy socio-economic development as suggested by Nagaland assembly.

ENPO, which has been demanding 'Frontier Nagaland' with four border districts of Mon, Tuensang, Kiphire and Longleng, had reiterated its demand when Union Minister of State for Home Jitendra Singh visited Mon last week where he met leaders of tribal councils, civil society organisations and civil administration and Assam Rifles officials.

ENPO had submitted a memorandum to the Prime Minister in 2010 in support of its demand, saying only a separate state for six tribes, inhabiting the frontier areas, would bring about socio-economic development in the border region. (more)