NEW DELHI, May 2: The Centre today appointed former Mizoram governor Swaraj Kaushal as its representative to conduct political negotiations with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah). The Government and the rebel group recently extended their nine-month cease-fire by another three months. Though the truce has held fairly well, the two sides could not get down to serious discussion for a more permanent settlement.One of the stumbling blocks was the choice of the government's main negotiator. The NSCN (I-M) had reportedly been demanding that a senior political figure should represent the Centre when formal political discussions begin.
The Home Ministry has denied press reports that Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee will lead the talks. But sources said that the Government may `upgrade' its representation at a later stage if the negotiations make headway.
The Ministry also announced the appointment of PP Srivastava, former adviser to Manipur governor as chairman of the Kohima-basedcease-fire monitoring group.
Kaushal, an eminent lawyer who was the constitutional adviser to Laldenga's Mizo National Front (MNF), is the husband of Information and Broadcasting Minister Sushma Swaraj.
Kaushal also played an important role in talks between the Government and the MNF which led to the signing of the 1986 Mizoram Accord.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
