Correspondent
KOHIMA, SEPTEMBER 6
NAGALAND Peace Centre (NPC) chairman N. Theyo today appealed to Naga people to work towards strengthening the political force for peace to prevail in order to achieve the final settlement of the Naga political issue.
In his speech during the Thanks Giving service commemorating the 49th anniversary of Peace Day at its office in D’ Block Kohima, Theyo said “in recent years we have seen considerable progress in the peace efforts to remove the hard and ugly history of Nagaland so that possible peaceful era is delivered towards realizing the ideals of peace with the ceasefire between the Government of India and the NSCN (IM) on August 1, 1997 and with the NSCN (K) on April 2, 2001”.Stating that the NPC is closely associated with the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi, Theyo said the aim of the Centre is to uphold the policy of peace and discourage violence and bloodshed.
“We fully support the policy of peace efforts of the state government in dealing with the Naga groups who are engaged in political dialogue with the Government of India to resolve an acceptable and honourable Naga political solution,” he said.
The NPC also extended appreciation and support to FNR and Church members for taking initiatives to bring about reconciliation and peace to prevail in the land.
NPC chairman also stated that the Naga Reconciliation meet held in Chiangmai, Thailand from June 1 to 8, 2009 resulting in signing of a document “Covenant of Reconciliation, provides a new direction towards peace and reconciliation.
Further, the NPC deeply appreciated the magnanimity of the intention of the then Indian leaders like - Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Satsri, Late Indira Gandhi, Deva Gawda, PV Narasimha Rao, Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the present Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and his government to effect a change from military measures against the Nagas and opt for political engagement to find out political and peaceful solution to the Naga political problem.
He said that India in due process of peace talk recognized the uniqueness of Naga history “which itself exhibit the desire for peaceful settlement.”
NPC chairman also said the Naga people should remember with gratitude the leaders of Nagaland Baptist Church Council like Rev. Longri Ao, Late Kenneth Kerhuo and many others who initiated peace effort in Nagaland.
Earlier, the members observed two minute silence in remembrance of late H. Hesso, governing body member of NPC.
Rev. Dr. Kevekhalo Lasuh pronounced prayer for thanksgiving while responsive reading was led by Rev. Dr. Chen Rengma. The service concluded with benediction by Rev. Dr. V.K. Nuh.
