Kohima, Aug.19: What the Opposition Congress did not do, former finance minister K. Therie has accomplished through his outburst against the Neiphiu Rio-led DAN government.

Speaking from the Treasury benches, Therie voiced doubts about the government?s sincerity on its ?equi-closeness policy?. Rio had declared that he believed in maintaining equal closeness with all the Naga rebel groups as opposed to ex-chief minister S.C. Jamir?s ?equi-distance?.

Therie asked how the government planned to carry on its policy of equi-closeness when factional clashes continued in the state. ?We have to talk to all groups of Naga national workers,? he told the Assembly.

The former finance minister was divested of his portfolio two months ago allegedly due to pressure from the NSCN (I-M). The Isak-Muivah faction had perceived Therie as leaning towards the Naga National Council (Adinno) which does not consider integration of the Naga areas as a major demand.

Today?s Assembly session saw a new low in the relationship between former friends Rio and Therie. The arguments began after Therie asked a starred question on the progress of the peace talks between the Centre and the two NSCN factions. Home minister Thenucho?s reply that it was unwise to reveal details did not satisfy him. Pouring cold water on Rio?s earlier statements that the peace talks had progressed, Therie said, ?We are no closer to a settlement than we were in 1997.?

He continued to badger the government, stunning his party colleagues into silence. He claimed the peace talks had ended in a stalemate.

The legislator pointed out that the government?s consultative sub-committee for peace submitted its report last November. But contrary to the suggestions made in the report, the government did not call a consultative meeting of all legislators and the two Nagaland MPs. ?We need to have a broad consensus (on the Naga political problem). If the government is sincere, then the approach discussed in the CCP should be followed,? said Therie.