Dimapur, Jan 5 (MExN): General Secretary of the NSCN-IM, Th. Muivah, is awaiting appointment with Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, which is expected to be had within the next three days. While details of schema to be deliberated with the PM were not disclosed, highly-placed sources from the organization implied that “some discussions”, including “something like federal relationship types” and other substantive issues would be discussed. After the discussions, it is home, Nagaland, for the NSCN-IM leader.
Interestingly, the NSCN-IM was tightlipped over the appointment sought. Nonetheless, it was implied that Muivah did not approach the Prime Minister’s Office but it was the other way around and “we are waiting intimation from the Prime Minister”. When contacted over this, NSCN-IM’s MIP Deputy Kilonser Kraibo Chawang confirmed of Muivah seeking appointment with the PMO “but it was they who contacted”.
Arrangements are being worked out by the PMO and the General Secretary is awaiting intimation, he told The Morung Express. Details could not be had on Muivah’s ‘baggage’ for deliberations. However, it was implied that “something like federal relationship types” and “something related to the peace process” would be the focus. After appointment is given, Muivah will land in Nagaland and is expected within few days “or something like that” after meeting the PM, if any is had.
(Mention may be made here that on his landing at Indira Gandhi International Airport December 21, when queried by reporters whether they were seeking a solution within the Indian federal system, Muivah in no uncertain terms made clear the commitment that although a federation would be there, it would be a federation of India and Nagaland and not a federation within the Indian union.)
Kilonser Chawang also said a press conference will be convened ‘for the whole people to know’. “I will convince our leader. My agenda is to call a press conference of the local media” he said over phone.
Meanwhile, Muivah’s comrade Chairman Isak Chishi Swu has yet to work out a schedule to hold consultative interactions with the people. Responding to a query that Swu has commenced meeting with concerned sections of the state, ‘Brig’. Phungthing Shimrang, chief of Ceasefire Monitoring Cell, NSCN-IM said no schedule has been made so far and focus of these deliberations would be worked out sooner. Also, on certain reports that the matter of clashes with the rival faction, the NSCN-K, would figure in the ‘interactions’, Shimrang said till now “I don’t know”.
