New Delhi, May 14: The Ministries of Home and the External Affairs were today at loggerheads over the visit of eight envoys of the European Union to Nagaland.
 Following a protest lodged by MHA over the visit without any intimation and security clearance and the ministry raising its concern on the delegation meeting political leaders and civil society, Foreign Secretary Rajan Mathai spoke to Home Secretary R K Singh on the issue.
 "In all such visits necessary process is ensured and coordination is ensured amongst all concerned organisations and ministries," sources in the MEA said.
 Asserting that the decision to allow the diplomats to visit the sensitive northeastern state was "unilateral", the MHA asked the MEA to tell it the purpose of the visit and wanted to know why security clearance has not been sought before giving permission for the visit as is the normal practice.
 Official sources said the delegation, which includes ambassadors of Czech Republic, Hungary, Finland, Poland, Bulgaria and Slovakia, met Nagaland Chief Secretary, Speaker of the Assembly, leaders of political parties, representatives of several NGOs and businessmen yesterday.
 The envoys also visited Nagaland University and met Governor Nikhil Kumar today. Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio is hosting a dinner for them tonight.
 Sources said the MHA was particularly upset over the delegation's meeting with leaders of political parties and civil society members.
 It was of the view that Nagaland being an insurgency-prone state such representations could lead to sharing of information which are inimical to country's interests.

Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Mon, 14 May 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 IST