Stand-off over India Nagaland rebel state visit ban

By Subir Bhaumik
BBC News, Calcutta

Mr Muivah (left) says he is determined to visit his birth place

A Naga separatist leader says he is determined to visit his birthplace in India's north-eastern Manipur state, despite a government ban.

Thuingaleng Muivah announced plans to visit Somdal village last week, but his trip was barred on "security grounds."

Over the weekend Manipur police fired at people protesting against the ban.

Naga rebels have been fighting for a separate state for tribespeople in India's north-east, in one of the country's longest-running insurgencies.

Mr Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN), has been negotiating with the Indian government for a settlement of the Naga problem since 1997.

He is currently waiting near the Nagaland state capital, hoping to travel to his village. Tribespeople have set up blockades at a border checkpoint between Nagaland and Manipur, effectively preventing transport into Manipur state.

The Manipur government sought to stop Mr Muivah's visit because it fears his visit may inflame tensions.