One day mourning declared in Nagaland as a respect to departed leader S S Khaplang

GUWAHATI: As a mark of respect to departed militant leader, Chairman of khaplang faction of NSCN, Shangwang Shangyung Khaplang, Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) resolved to observe a day of mourning by shutting down all private institutions and business establishments on June 13.

In first of its kind meeting Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday held meeting with representatives of four North Eastern states that share borders with Myanmar to discuss plans to check cross-border movement of insurgents and smugglers.

Funeral service of Khaplang who passed away on Friday last in Taga base camp of the outfit in Myanmar will be held on June 13.

ENPO president Khoiwang and general secretary Manlang Phom said that the Eastern Nagaland Students Federation (ENSF) have been entrusted to mobilise the ground works.

Security agencies are likely to keep a watch on the funeral of the Khaplang which will held in Taga.

Several militant leaders including the elusive commander in chief of anti-talk faction of ULFA, Paresh Baruah, ULFA’s chairman, Abhijeet Asom and other leaders are expected to attend the funeral

A senior official in intelligence wing told ET, “Definitely we are watching the whole situation pertaining to the movement of insurgent outfits of Northeast India.”

Home minister said that the Government of India will fast track development of Northeast India.

Addressing a meeting of the chief ministers of the four northeastern states in Aizawl,Singh said the region is immensely rich in human and natural resources and its ethnic and linguistic diversities enrich India's cultural heritage. “The region is witnessing massive work in the expansion of railway and roadways.”

The meeting was attended by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju besides Chief minister of Manipur, N Biren Singh and Chief minister of Mizoram Lal Thanhawla. Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh sent their representative to the meeting.

Singh said that Indo-Myanmar border is unique for there is a visa-free movement regime for the people living within 16 km on either side. India shares 1,643-km long border with Myanmar.

Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram has received close to Rs 567.39 crores during the last three years under border area development plan.