NSCN leaders to reach Dimapur

Thousands of Nagas are converging from all over the state to welcome the self-exiled tribal guerrilla leaders.

Thousands of Nagas are converging from all over the state to welcome self-exiled tribal guerrilla leaders, Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah, who will arrive in Dimapur later in the day.

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Swu and Muivah, leaders of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), are expected to reach Dimapur, the commercial hub of Nagaland, around midday.

The two Naga rebel leaders had earlier arrived in New Delhi on December 5 from Amsterdam on the invitation of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to push forward the peace process.

"There is a lot of euphoria and high hopes with the people of Nagaland waiting to welcome the two leaders," NSCN leader Phungthing Shimrang said.

Hundreds of tribal Nagas attired in colourful traditional attires began arriving in Dimapur from early in the morning to catch a glimpse of the two NSCN leaders.

"The two leaders are sort of cult figures in Nagaland and it will be a privilege to have a glimpse of them and say hello if possible," said Akhito Angami, a college student who had come down from state capital Kohima.