Bangkok court release Naga rebel leader on bail

Bangkok court release Naga rebel leader on bail
AGENCIES

BANGKOK/NEW DELHI, SEPTEMBER 18: Rebel Naga leader Thuingaleng Muivah has been released on bail from a Thai prison, sources in his insurgent organisation said today. ``Muivah has been released from the Thai prison,'' said Timothy Kaping, of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN). ``Muivah has been freed on bail from jail,'' confirmed his Thai lawyer, Wasant Panich.

However, Muivah, will be prohibited from leaving Thailand while his trial proceeds, police sources told agencies.

K Padmanabhaiah, New Delhi's representative in the Naga peace talks, welcomed the release of Muivah saying it would ``certainly speed up'' the negotiation process. ``It is a judicial decision by a Thai court. As far as I am concerned, I welcome it as centre's representative in the Naga peace process. It is always good to talk to the top man,'' said Padmanabhaiah.

The separatist leader was arrested by Thai immigration officials at Bangkok airport in January 2000 for trying to jump bail and attempting to enter Thailand with forged travel documents. He had been appearing periodically in a Thai court to answer the charges and was next scheduled to appear on September 22.

While Muivah was in custody Indian officials and Naga rebel leaders agreed in Bangkok to extend a ceasefire and help end a bloody 50-year insurgent drive.