NSCN-IM general secretary Thuingaleng Muivah today paid glowing tributes to his long-time colleague and outfit's chairman Isak Chishi Swu saying his demise was a shock but could not be avoided.
"The departure of the chairman is a shock but this is what we can't avoid. We wanted him to be with us till the end of the solution. My tribute," he told reporters here.
The 87-year-old chairman of Nationalist Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM) was undergoing treatment for almost a year at a private hospital in South Delhi where he breathed his last today following multi organ failure.
When asked on the status of ongoing peace talks, Muivah said progress is there and NSCN-IM was hopeful for a solution soon.
"Government of India is serious and we are also serious. Our commitment is there. We are hopeful for a solution soon," he said.
Asked about Swu's funeral, Muivah said people of Nagaland were waiting for him and the group will have to respect their wish.
