Muivah mourns passing of former interlocutor Swaraj Kaushal

DIMAPUR — The General Secretary of NSCN (IM) Th. Muivah has expressed grief at the death of Swaraj Kaushal, former Indian Interlocutor to the Indo-Naga peace talks, who passed away on December 4 in New Delhi at the age of 73.

In a condolence message issued on Saturday, Muivah described Kaushal as a “renowned lawyer and politician” respected by both Indians and Nagas. K

aushal, who had earlier played a key role in negotiations with the Mizo National Front that culminated in the 1986 Mizoram Accord, was noted for his expertise in Northeast affairs.

Muivah recalled Kaushal as the first official interlocutor appointed by the government of India to engage with NSCN (IM) in 1998 in Bangkok during the tenure of Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

He also recounted a remark Kaushal had made during their early meetings, asserting that ceasefire understanding applied “wherever the NSCN is,” including cities abroad, to ensure a conducive environment for dialogue.

The NSCN leader described Kaushal as a rational individual with a deep understanding of the Naga political issue.

Mourning what he termed the “premature passing” of a statesman and a friend of the Naga people, Muivah extended heartfelt condolences to Kaushal’s family and the people of India.