Muivah starts homeward journey, show down hangs heavy in the air
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 05 2010: Embarking on his proposed journey to his birth place at Somdal village in Ukhrul district, NSCN (IM) general secretary Th Muivah today left Hebron Camp, Dimapur and arrived at Viswema, near Kohima today.

On arrival at Viswema, the villagers hosted a reception function in honour of Muivah at the Panchayat Council hall of the village. Addressing the gathering, the NSCN (IM) leader reportedly called upon the NGOs for unity and peace.

Along with a large number of representatives of Naga NGOs including Naga Hoho, Muivah would spend the night at the guest house of Viswema and try to enter Manipur tomorrow.

School children line up to accord a warm welcome to Th Muivah in Nagaland

Notwithstanding the decision of the Govt of Manipur not to allow Muivah to step on the soil of Manipur, around 50 cadres of NSCN (IM), besides another 25 armed police personnel from the side of Nagaland police are expected to escort Muivah upto Mao Gate tomorrow.

More than 70 vehicles to be used by the escorts as well as the representatives of Naga NGOs have also been reportedly arranged for the purpose.

The Naga Hoho and other organisations will be approaching Mao with the message of peace, it is said.

Consequent to the arrival of Muivah at Viswema, which is about 17 kms from Mao, security arrangements in Mao have been intensified all the more.

Over and above the forces already deployed there, a reinforcement team led by SP of Bishnupur district has also rushed in today from Tungjoy.

CO Commandos of Imphal West, Krishnatombi and AR troops have also followed suit.

Near Mao Gate, the Assam Rifles are still camping and the temporary bunkers have been increased from 3 to 7 .

All the security personnel, including the top officers took their evening meals earlier than normal and have been put on alert.

Security personnel were also spread out and deployed atop the nearby hillocks.

Appealing to all concerned not to obstruct the entry of Muivah, a large number of women staged a sit-in-protest and participated in prayer session at the traffic island of Mao Bazar.

White flags were seen hoisted in all the houses at Mao, Tadubi, Lairou, etc.

The flags with the logo of NSCN (IM) were also seen among the them.

At around 2 pm today, around seven persons in a Bolero with flag post of NSCN (IM) logo were seen coming from Kohima side till Mao Gate.

After checking the vehicles coming from Imphal, these visitors allowed only some of the vehicles to go ahead.

At around 3.30 pm, some more individuals also came in a Gypsy and helped in checking the vehicles.