NSCN gets new army chief

Into its 13th year of peaceful negotiations with the Government of India,the National Socialist Council of Nagalim IM on Wednesday appointed Phunting Shimrang as the new chief of its army following the retirement of incumbent Lieutenant General Ng Markson.

Major General Phunting Shimrang,who is also a co-convenor of the joint Ceasefire Monitoring Group comprising representatives from both sides,has been named chief of the Naga Army, a press release by the outfit said.

Markson,who,according to the press release,served for 37 years rising from a mere private soldier to the top position of Naga Army,has been appointed Chairman of the Military Council which is in the rank of Cabinet in the Government of Peoples Republic of Nagalim headed by Thuingaleng Muivah.

While the NSCNIM has been engaged in peace talks for thirteen years now,it was only in July this year that both sides claimed that their differences have narrowed.