Muivah to leave for Somdal today

Kevi Soho | EMN
CAMP HEBRON (DIMAPUR), MAY 4: NSCN-IM general secretary Th Muivah on Tuesday evening confirmed his journey to his native village under Ukhrul district of Manipur on Wednesday, May 5.

In a hurriedly convened press conference at Camp Hebron, Muivah, who is expected to be accompanied by a host of dignitaries comprising of the Naga civil societies, hailed the Naga leaders for their support stating 'they have always been with us and they will be there by our side during the visit to Somdal'.
The NSCN leader termed the opposition being staged by the Meiteis as a 'surprise and unexpected' since the GoI had already agreed on his proposed visit to his native village, which was coming after a gap of 47 years.
 "Such opposition was not necessary as the visit is for peace, to meet family and friends and not to disturb anyone," Muivah said, adding that it was their wish that 'others not disturb us' either.
He said people from back home had been enquiring throughout the day on how best the current imbroglio with the Manipur government can be resolve so that they can meet in peace.
 "I must go there; I am bound to as I have attachments there and no force can stop me from going. My parents too waited long enough only to expire before our meeting," a visibly emotional Muivah said.
When asked on the matter of the NSF ban of Manipur-bound vehicles passing through Naga areas, he clearly stated that the Naga people have been provoked by the Manipur government.
 "Nagas are not aggressive but sensible by nature, but their rights have been challenged and they have a right to defend; Meiteis should understand," he said adding, "and I am proud to be a Naga".
The NSCN-IM general secretary also did not rule out the fact tat Manipur government could be staging the current opposition in apprehension of Nagas achieving the long desired 'physical integration of Naga inhabited areas'.
 "We will not claim anything which belongs to the Meiteis; let them have theirs, we will only have what is rightfully ours," he stated.
On the possible involvement of Indian intelligence agencies behind the current impasse, Muivah responded in the affirmative stating that this has always been their game plan.
The NSCN-IM leader, en-route to Somdal, is expected to halt overnight at Viswema village wherein he was first elected as general secretary of the NNC.