Thuingaleng Muivah, General Secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN IM ) has condoled the demise of former Indian Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga Peace Talks, Swaraj Kaushal on December 4 in New Delhi at the age of 73.

A renowned lawyer and politician, Kaushal was held in high regard by both the Indians and the Nagas, considered Muivah.

He took an active part during the peace negotiations with the Mizo National Front (MNF), which led to the signing of the Mizoram Accord in 1986, and was an expert in affairs of the North-East India. He was the first official Indian Interlocutor to engage in peace talks with the NSCN in 1998 in Bangkok (Thailand) during the Premiership of Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

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“I still vividly remember what he said during one of our meetings in 1998, “ 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”,” stated Muivah in a press release issued on December 6.

Muivah stated that he last met Kaushal in October 2020 in New Delhi and where they had a candid conversation. “He was a very rational man with a deep understanding of the Naga political issue. I mourn the premature passing of this great Indian statesman and a friend of the NSCN in particular and the Nagas in general. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family and the people of India. May his soul find eternal peace!,” expressed Muivah.