Th. Muivah interacts with supporters at Jotsoma on Wednesday. A Telegraph picture

Jotsoma, June 16: NSCN (I-M) leader Th. Muivah today reiterated his keenness to meet the NSCN (K)’s chairman S.S. Khaplang and its commander-in-chief Khole in the greater interest of the Naga reconciliation process which he said was a “must”.

On his arrival today at Jotsoma as part of his goodwill tour, Muivah, however, made it clear that he had no intention of meeting his counterpart in the rival outfit, general secretary N. Kitovi Zhimomi, whom he accused of resorting to divisive politics.

The NSCN (I-M) leader said his old comrade, Khaplang, had officially committed to reconciliation and therefore he was ready to meet him (Khaplang) and Khole. “We have to meet them first and not others,” Muivah told The Telegraph.

Khole was in Nagaland last month but left for Myanmar again without meeting the NSCN (I-M) leaders.

The NSCN (I-M) leader said he would not cancel his Somdal visit saying it was his birthright to go to his village and meet his people.

Muivah said adversaries were trying to exploit the Naga people. He also regretted that some people still harboured a negative attitude towards the NSCN (I-M). “We are ready to talk to them to understand each other,” the NSCN (I-M) leader said. “In the name of Christ we are committed to reconciliation.”

He said it was time Nagas understood each other as the NSCN (I-M) was ready to share its commitment with other groups. “We have to understand each other, understand the necessity of the nation.”

But he said some people have failed to understand others and that was their mistake. “Reconciliation is a must since Nagas have failed to understand each other,” he said.

Muivah said he was on a peace mission to determine the Nagas’ future. “We are here to determine our future. We believe in the existence of Naga nation.”

“Please show your concern, let us understand together,” he told the gathering at the village council hall.

Earlier, the NSCN (I-M) leader arrived at Jotsoma from Pfutsero town in Phek district under tight security cover.

On his arrival, Muivah was accorded a warm welcome by the elders of Jotsoma at the council hall. Over 50 vehicles, including three bullet-proof cars provided by the state government, accompanied his entourage along with dozens of security personnel.

Muivah will be in Jotsoma for a few days before leaving for Khonoma, the village of A.Z. Phizo, founder of the Naga National Council. Jotsoma is home to V. Nagi, the general secretary of the NNC. This village was also traditionally a stronghold of the NNC.

On Sunday, Muivah has convened a meeting with villagers as he termed Jotsoma a “historical village” and that he was in search of history.