NEW DELHI, Aug 10 � Clarifying its stand on the NSCN (I-M) general secretary Th Muivah�s bid to visit his native village, the Centre said that the visit can be facilitated only in consultation with the Government of Manipur.
Muivah�s desire to visit Somdal, his native village is unlikely to materialise any time soon, if the Centre�s stand on the issue is any indication. Muivah made abortive attempts to visit his native village in April in the face of stiff opposition from the State Government, triggering a crisis. The economic blockade of Manipur in Nagaland that lasted for over 70 days escalated the tensions prompting the Centre to airlift essential supplies.
Admitting that Manipur Government was opposed to Muivah�s visit, Minister of State for Home Affairs M Ramachandran said that State Cabinet held on April 30 took a decision not to allow the Naga leader to enter Manipur in view of the extraordinary demands on available security manpower with the State.
The State Cabinet also took note of the persistent demand of NSCN (I-M) of greater Nagalim, integrating all the Naga-dominated areas in the North-east. It is a very sensitive issue in Manipur and allowing Muivah to enter Manipur would be extremely controversial and prejudicial to maintenance of law and order.
A Group of Minister comprising Finance, Defence and Home Ministers had a meeting with the Chief Minister of Manipur on May 6. And the same day, the Manipur State Cabinet reiterated its earlier stand to oppose the visit of Muivah, the Minister informed.
