State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio said the state cabinet at its meeting Friday resolved to request NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah to consider postponing his visit to Somdal in Manipur, till the situation stabilizes. Addressing a hurriedly called press conference at his official residence Friday evening, Rio said the decision was arrived at an emergency cabinet meeting in the light of the tense and volatile situation arising out of the Manipur government\u2019s decision to ban Muivah\u2019s proposed visit to Somdal and subsequent incidents leading to deaths and injury of Nagas in Manipur.
He said the cabinet also condemned the use of state machinery by Manipur government to suppress the voice of the democratic rights of the people and for banning Muivah from visiting his village despite approval of the central government.
While describing Thursday\u2019s incidents as \u201cvery said and unfortunate\u201d Rio said some of the injured were admitted to Naga Hospital Kohima.
He said the state government received reports of mass exodus of Nagas from Mao area into Nagaland some of who had taken shelter in Khuzama, Kidima, Kohima and Dimapur. Rio also said the government would extend all possible help to them. The cabinet also expressed condolences to the bereaved families and wished early recovery of those currently undergoing medical treatment.
Earlier, Rio along with home minister, Imkong L Imchen, health & family welfare minister, Kuzholuzo Neinu, education minister, Nyiewang Konyak, roads & bridges minister, G. Kaito met Th. Muivah at Viswema village council hall where they held a closed-door meeting for one and half hour. Rio told media persons that he conveyed the cabinet decision to Th. Muivah to postpone his visit.
Later, on returning to Kohima, Rio rushed to Naga Hospital Kohima to meet with the injured victims in the NHK. He interacted with the victims while the doctors briefed him about the nature of their injuries.
Muivah determined to visit Manipur
Pamreiso Shimray
Viswema, May 7 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) on Friday said its \u201cato kilonser\u201d, Thuingaleng Muivah will go ahead with plans to visit his village, Somdal in Ukhrul district, despite the Manipur government\u2019s defiant refusal to lift the ban on his entry.
Addressing a press conference, Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CMG) convenor, Phungthing Shimrang said, Muivah was determined to go ahead with his visit and has only deferred it at the request of Government of India and civil societies. He said the Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) asked Muivah to postpone the visit till the home ministry settled the matter with the Manipur government. \u201cWe are waiting for government of India\u2019s response,\u201d he said.
Phungthing condemned the excesses committed by Manipur\u2019s security personnel at Mao Gate. He held chief minister, Okram Ibobi Singh solely responsible for the incident.
Interestingly, Phungthing revealed that the MHA accused Naga outfits had fired at the security forces at Mao Gate. Refuting the charge, Phungthing blamed Delhi for Thursday\u2019s episode. \u201cPerhaps, the Central government is not able to rein in Okram Ibobi Singh,\u201d he added. Phungthing also appealed the media to disseminate undistorted facts and refrain from false propaganda.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"