Govt prepared for talks with any militant group in NE: PC

SHILLONG: Expressing satisfaction over the progress made in initiating peace parleys with northeastern militant groups, Home Minister P Chidambaram today said government was prepared to extend its hand of friendship to any group that wanted to hold talks.
"We have made an extra effort to hold out the hand of friendship to any person or organisation which comes forward to discuss problems," Chidambaram said addressing the passing out parade of the North East Police Academy on the outskirts of the city.

He said he was happy to report that almost all groups or organisations had been in talks with government-appointed interlocutors.

"Violence has no place in a democracy. A little more effort, a give-and-take attitude and more understanding can help address all issues," the minister said expressing confidence that the northeast could be turned into a "heaven of peace" resulting in prosperity and development.

Chidambaram also referred to an ambitious plan to transform the North East Police Academy (NEPA) into a shinning example for other such institutions in the country.

In his first visit to the Academy as Union Home Minister, he announced that Rs 85 crore would be spent to add more facilities to NEPA, of which much work has already been completed.

He urged the NEPA authorities to expedite the work and complete all new facilities by March, 2013 instead of March, 2014, the target date.

The minister, who arrived this morning, will leave for Imphal later.