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Emergency declared within NSCN(I-M)

An emergency has been declared within the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Issac-Muivah) to reorganise its structure, revitalise the organisation and consolidate its position politically, militarily and economically.

R H Raising, former home minister in the 'Government of the People's Republic of Nagaland', the government-in-exile formed by the outlawed outfit, said, "If we are to fight our enemy, we need to stand on a firm ground. So we are in the process of strengthening our own position -- politically, militarily and economically."

Raising did not say who the 'enemy' was. He said, however, that under the emergency, the group's work had been divided among three prominent councils -- the security council (responsible for administration and security), the economic council and the steering committee, which is the political wing.

Raising is currently a member of the steering committee and has been in Bangkok for the past one year, looking after the group's activities.

Raising, who claims to have spent eight years in various jails in India, scoffed at claims that the Government of India would review the extension of ceasefire into other states of the Northeast bordering Nagaland.

"It has been signed with the consent of the Indian government's central authority. The prime minister, the home minister, the principal secretary and other responsible officials have agreed to it," he pointed out.

Raising denied reports that NSCN(I-M) cadres were, a few days ago, involved in an incident that had violated the ceasefire agreement. "If at all such a thing has happened, the NSCN (Khaplang) group must have been involved," he said.

Raising could not control the bitterness towards the rival faction. "Their (NSCN-Khaplang) group is the brainchild of people with vested interests.

"Ours is a revolution by our people, who are fighting for their right to freedom. Until and unless you go along with the people you are not the king."

Khaplang had been one of the key members of the NSCN movement. However, Raising said, he had joined forces with the opposition.

"He had been one of our members. But he attempted a coup to capture power from Issac [Chisi Swu] and [Thuingaleng] Muivah. We know he was instigated by somebody."

Raising bluntly denied any differences in the NSCN(I-M).

Meanwhile, Muivah, secretary general of the group, who is facing charges of entering Thailand on a fake passport, failed to appear before a Bangkok criminal court on Thursday.

But his nephew Apam Muivah, Raising and a couple of supporters were present in the court.

"Muivah has been hospitalised. He complained of chest pain and so could not appear in court," the nephew said. "Our lawyer made a plea for postponement of the case, which was granted. The hearing has now been fixed for July 11."

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