‘Nagas should work collectively to pave way for peace’

Dimapur, Sep. 16 (EMN): There must be unity not only among different Naga political groups (NPGs) but also Naga people in general and work collectively to pave way for Nagas to live in peace, felt tribal leaders.

This was expressed at the consultative meeting organised by the NSCN/GPRN led by its President, Gen. (Retd) Niki Sumi and Ato Kilonser, Starson Lamkang, with the representatives of apex Naga tribal bodies of Nagaland including Kachari Tribal Council and Kuki Inpi (N) at Tourist Lodge in Dimapur, on Thursday.

The meeting was held days after the Niki-led NSCN (K) signed a ceasefire agreement with the government of India (GoI) for a period of one year with effect from September 8, 2021.

An update issued by the MIP, NSCN/GPRN informed that the tribal leaders stressed on the need for unity and voiced concern over the future of the Nagas.

“During the meeting, the tribal leaders lauded the government of India for signing agreement with the NSCN/GPRN for a period of one year, stating that it was the desire of all Naga people that all groups must come to negotiating table with the GOI and expressed hope of the people that there would be a positive outcome towards Naga solution,” read the update.

Sumi told the tribal leaders that the NSCN/GPRN had agreed for negotiation with the GOI in accordance with the desire of the people and assured to do what is best for the people.

“He called upon the tribal leaders to come as one, stand as one, to voice out as one people the aspirations and desires of the Nagas and tell all the groups of what needs to be done in order to bring about a lasting peace in the land,” it stated.

Maintaining that Naga solution lies in the hands of the people and not only the Naga political groups, he said it was imperative for the Nagas in general to take a decision.

Lamkang said at the meeting that “all types of ‘ism’ have broken the Nagas into pieces and there can never be success as long as Naga people remain divided”.

It stated that Commander in chief, People’s Army Nagaland (PAN), NSCN/GPRN, Lt. Gen. Akaho Zhimo also attended the meeting, which was chaired by Nikato Pilot, Kilonser MIP and Supervisor, CFSB.