Solution within the framework of Constitution: Prime Minister

Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee has once again expressed the Centre's desire to hold negotiations with the underground outfits of the North-East region for an amicable settlement of their grievances. He, however, stated that any solution must be within the framework of the Indian Constitution.

Mr. Vajpayee made the offer while replying on the motion of thanks on President's address in the Rajya Sabha.

“We are interested for negotiations with the insurgent groups and hear their grievances. But solution must be within the framework of the Constitution. There is no scope beyond that,” the Prime Minister said.

During his hour-long speech, Atal Behari Vajpayee ruled out the extension of the Saurastra-Silchar expressway to Imphal, saying that the proposal was not practically possible.

Quite interestingly, the Prime Minister did not say anything regarding the controversial IMDT Act, although in his speech the President mentioned that the Centre was seriously considering the proposal of repealment of the Act.

This is perhaps for the second time the Prime Minister has made offer to hold negotiations with the underground organisations. He first made this offer at Guwahati last year. On that occasion, Mr. Vajpayee had said, “To all those who have strayed from the path of togetherness, whether in Assam or other states of the North-East, I extend an invitation; come forward, let us discuss, my Government is committed to holding talks, to restoring of peace, let us do so within the four corners of the Constitution.”