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One of India's most powerful insurgent leaders, a devout Christian, sang Silent Night, Holy Night overnight (NZ time) to supporters in New Delhi, and said he hoped for "better things" to end a revolt that has killed thousands.
Thuingaleng Muivah, general secretary of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN-IM), which is fighting for an independent homeland for Naga tribals in the remote northeast, was making a rare visit to New Delhi for informal talks with Indian officials.
Around 20,000 people have been killed in the Naga revolt since 1947, and the two sides have found no political solution despite more than 50 rounds of peace talks since a 1997 truce. The Nagas are known as fierce warriors and devout Christians.
Muivah, who is in his early 70s, sang in front of around 200 Naga students and rebel leaders in a government house in the capital, watched by stern-faced Indian intelligence agents.
"Silent Night, Holy Night, all is calm, all is bright, round yon virgin, mother and child, holy infant so tender and mild," sang Muivah, his deep voice drawing loud applause from the audience, seated in a large tent decorated with balloons.
Behind Muivah was a banner with Merry Christmas written in white letters. Nearby, a Christmas tree twinkled with multi-coloured lights as fellow guerrillas and students joined him in singing the carol.
Muivah told reporters later the date of the next round of formal peace talks had not been set, though analysts expect them early next year.
He said it was too early to say when there would be lasting peace in Nagaland, a Christian-majority state of two million people in Hindu-majority India's insurgency-riven northeast.
"Let us hope that better things will come up," said Muivah, who trekked from Nagaland to China through Myanmar in the 1980s.
Talks in October in Amsterdam, where Muivah now lives, ended without progress, the NSCN-IM accusing India of insincerity.
Muivah's Christmas function was thought to be the first time a top guerrilla leader opposed to New Delhi's rule has celebrated a religious event so publicly in the Indian capital.
His supporters in New Delhi were elated.
"Who could imagine Muivah could sing safely and celebrate Christmas in New Delhi? It feels great," said Gideon Shadang, a Naga university student wearing blue jeans and a sweatshirt.
- REUTERS
