Kohima, June 14: Naga insurgent leader S.S. Khaplang might follow rivals Isak Chisi Swu and Th. Muivah to India this year. NSCN (K) deputy kilonser (minister) Kughalu Mulatonu said on his return to Nagaland from New Delhi that Khaplang, the Myanmar-based chairman of the militant group, was planning to come out of self-imposed exile to lay the foundation for a dialogue with the Centre. However, he declined to divulge Khaplang’s travel plans, citing “security concerns”.
Mulatonu, who admittedly did not meet any political leader during his stay in the capital, said he made the trip simply to “feel the pulse” of the situation.
On whether the agenda for Khaplang’s proposed visit had been finalised, the NSCN (K) kilonser said it would be done soon.
“Our collective leadership is to hold discussions shortly, paving the way for our leader’s visit later this year.”
Khaplang’s counterparts in the NSCN (I-M) were scheduled to reach New Delhi this month, but are understood to have changed their travel plans. If the trip materialises within the next few months, it will be the Swu-Muivah duo’s second in as many years.
Just before the NSCN (I-M) leadership’s highly-publicised trip to New Delhi last year, Mulatonu spread the word that his organisation’s chief, too, would come to India for talks with the government. Khaplang did not turn up.
Mulatonu said much work remained to be done before the start of a dialogue. “The proposals of the government of India and our group have to meet at some point.”
Except for insisting on “sovereignty”, the NSCN (K) has not come up with a specific demand or an agenda for talks since signing the ceasefire agreement with Delhi.
Sources attribute the delay to the militant group’s organisational problems, especially the public uprising against it in Mokokchung last year and the subsequent defections to the NSCN (I-M).
Most of the NSCN (K) leaders are now based in Mon and Zunheboto districts, and pockets of Tuensang.
The formation of a Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre is seen as a morale-booster for the NSCN (K) after the recent setbacks.
The Congress, especially former chief minister S.C. Jamir, has long been accused of being partial towards the Khaplang group.