Our Correspondent
Kohima | May 31
Government of India’s Interlocutor for the Indo-Naga talks RS Pandey arrived in Kohima town today along with two officials for another round of talks, being held tomorrow at the Heritage, Old DC’s Bungalow. This is for the first time since the NSCN/GPRN entered into the ceasefire with the Government of India in 1997 that the talks are being held on Naga soil.
Pandey, a former Nagaland Chief Secretary, and two Home Ministry officials arrived here by a special helicopter from Guwahati this afternoon. They were received at the Assam Rifles’ helipad by Nagaland government officials. The Central team would be staying in the Raj Bhavan as State Guests.
The June 1 parley is likely to discuss a wide range of issues including the earlier set of proposals submitted by the NSCN/GPRN towards finding an ‘acceptable and honorable settlement’ to the Naga political conflict and the current crisis arising out of NSCN leader Th. Muivah’s proposed visit to his homeland in Somdal village in Ukhrul district under Manipur.
According to sources, Th. Muivah, who has been camping in Viswema village in Kohima since May 5, would come to the venue of the talks from there. He is expected to camp in the village for some more time.
Security has been heightened in and around Kohima in preparation for tomorrow’s crucial round of talks.
According to Newmai News Network the government of India will be represented by interlocutor and former chief secretary of Nagaland R.S Pandey, Ajit Lal and Nabin Verma; while the NSCN/GPRN will be led by its general secretary Th Muivah and will be accompanied by Steering Committee convenor Gen. VS Atem, Q. Tuccu, Tongmeth, Dr Somba, Rev Puni, Zarse, Lieut. col Victor, Makhriesii and Imcha Longkumer. The talks are scheduled to begin from 10:30 am.
