Top Naga Leader Hospitalised
- Isak Chisi Swu, chairman of the NSCN(IM), under intensive care in a South Delhi hospital since last two weeks
- Fortis hospital turns into a fort with security personnel guarding the ailing Naga leader
- Talks between India and NSCN(IM) leaders continue to be inconclusive since 1997
Isak Chisi Swu, chairman of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-Isak-Muivah), is under intensive care watch in a South Delhi hospital where he was admitted for a “combination of illnesses” more than two weeks ago.
Swu is reported to be “stable” after he was put on the “support of a ventilator” following complaints of “breathing difficulties” yesterday.
The 85-year-old high-profile rebel Naga leader was admitted to Fortis Flt. Lt. Ranjan Dhall Charitable Hospital on July 5 morning due to “chest infection”. But the octogenarian patient also suffers from “pre-existing diabetes and kidney ailment” and is currently under the care of the hospital’s nephrology department, confirmed a doctor who spoke on the condition of anonymity.
Recovery Slow
Swu’s advancing age is making recovery slow but he’s stable and remains in ICU, confirmed a Nagaland-based official. He said he will not be able to share further details because Swu’s family members want it to be “confidential”. Swu’s two sons, Israel and Iketo, are alongside him, guarded by security police and Intelligence Bureau officials.
The Fortis hospital receives many high profile political patients, labeled as “VIP”, including Swu, who has been treated at the hospital earlier. The states of Manipur and Nagaland are currently ‘empanelled’ with Fortis hospital, which means hospital treatment expenses of government officials are reimbursed by the two state governments.
“Due to confidentiality reasons, we cannot share information on the patient’s condition,” Brijesh Bhardwaj, head of Fortis’ Patient Welfare, said.
Founder Member
Founder member of NSCN, Swu, who along with Thuingaleng Muivah and S S Khaplang, raised the banner of sovereignty for Greater Nagalim outside of India. This happened on January 31, 1980, after they opposed the Naga faction of Naga National Council for entering into an understanding with the Indian government.
Negotiations between Indian and Naga leaders have been going on since a ceasefire was signed in 1997, without a solution in sight, but since then several factions have emerged.
Swu maintains a Facebook page, and the last entry appears to be in March this year, a collage of photos, news stories and extracts from what it says ‘The President’s Autobiography’.
Meanwhile, in Nagaland, the Council of Nagalim Churches, urged for “continual prayer” for Swu’s quick recovery and prayers were held in villages and at homes, according to a local newspaper.
(Maitreyee Handique writes on India’s northeast and keeps a watch on labour, industrial safety and human rights issues)
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