Assam objects to Centre's suggestion on supra status to Nagas

Guwahati, Nov 20 (PTI) After Manipur, Assam today objected to the Centre's reported suggestion to grant a 'supra state body' status to Nagas settled across northeastern region. "There is even no hint of creation of a supra state. Before granting it, the government of India will certainly consult us before taking such a step. But if it is created then we will certainly oppose it," Assam Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi told reporters here. "There is no basis till now for granting a supra state body. Officially there is no such information. Our officers have inquired about it and have received no information," he said. He said maybe it was Naga rebel group NSCN-IM that was floating the idea of the 'supra state body'. "There will be problems if a supra state body is created. Can problems be solved simply by creating autonomous councils for different communities...more problems will instead be created," he pointed out. Elaborating, he said many Assamese, Bengalis and Tamils resided in Delhi but would supra state bodies be created for them there. Government spokesman and minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had yesterday said the Assam government would take no steps which would affect the geographical boundary of the state, which had only some Zeme Nagas in North Cachhar Hills district who were only encroachers. Earlier, Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had written to the Centre seeking clarification on media reports that the government was considering granting a 'supra state body' status to Nagas living in Assam, Nagaland, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh to enable them to preserve their culture, identity and customary laws under one body.