Dimapur, Dec 7 (NNN): NSCN-IM leader Thuingaleng Muivah condoled the death of former Naga peace talks interlocutor Swaraj Kaushal, and called him a “great Indian statesman and a friend of the NSCN in particular and the Nagas in general.”
Kaushal passed away on December 4 in New Delhi. He was 73.
Expressing “deep sorrow” on the demise of Kaushal, Muivah called the former interlocutor a renowned lawyer and politician who enjoyed high regard among both Indians and Nagas. Muivah also said Kaushal had taken an active part in the peace negotiations with the Mizo National Front (MNF), which eventually led to the signing of the Mizoram Accord in 1986. Muivah further said that Kaushal was considered an expert on issues concerning North-East India.
The NSCN-IM leader said that Kaushal was the first official Indian interlocutor to engage in peace talks with the NSCN-IM during their meeting in Bangkok in 1998, under Atal Bihari Vajpayee as the Prime Minister.
Muivah quoted Kaushal as saying, “Wherever they (the NSCN) are, we observe ceasefire, even abroad. Yes, very definitely. It covers Delhi and even Paris. After all, it is not that they will be killing each other in a particular area and discussing peace in another area. What is required is a conducive atmosphere for a discussion.”
Muivah noted that before Kaushal’s appointment, he and other NSCN-IM representatives had held meetings with several Indian leaders, including PV Narasimha Rao, Rajesh Pilot, HD Deve Gowda, Satish Chandra and NN Vohra, between 1995 and 1997. He said he last met Kaushal in October 2020 in New Delhi, during which they had a candid conversation. Kaushal, according to Muivah, was “a very rational man with a deep understanding of the Naga political issue.”
Muivah said that Kaushal’s passing was premature and a loss to the people of India as well. Muivah also offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul.
Photo courtesy: @upadhyaysbjp X handle
