ENSF and MLAs Benei M Lamthiu and C Kipili Sangtam appeal for peace and restraint after Yimkhiung-Tikhir violence.
DIMAPUR — The Eastern Naga Students' Federation (ENSF), along with MLAs Benei M Lamthiu and C Kipili Sangtam, has appealed for peace and restraint following the reported violence between members of the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities on October 10, which resulted in the loss of lives and destruction of property.
In a press release, the ENSF expressed deep concern over the incident and strongly condemned all forms of violence and retaliation.
It appealed to its two federating units, the Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA) and the Tikhir Students' Union (TSU), to exercise utmost restraint and refrain from activities that could further escalate the situation.
The federation urged both organisations to demonstrate responsible leadership and work towards a peaceful resolution through negotiation, mutual cooperation and constructive dialogue.
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It stressed that violence could never resolve disputes, but would only deepen divisions and create lasting bitterness between communities.
The ENSF maintained that differences, however serious, could be resolved through mutual understanding, patience and sincere dialogue.
It called on both sides to rise above confrontation and work towards a settlement that safeguards the dignity, unity and peaceful coexistence of the two communities.
The federation also appealed to YAA and TSU to uphold the Christian values of love, forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasising that peace and brotherhood must prevail over anger and hostility.
“The future of our people and the unity of Eastern Nagas are far too precious to be compromised by violence,” it stated, while urging both organisations to extend their fullest cooperation to the respective tribal councils and community leaders in restoring normalcy and ensuring lasting peace.
The ENSF further called for reason to prevail over retaliation, dialogue over confrontation and brotherhood over hostility.
Meanwhile, MLA Benei M Lamthiu expressed pain and anguish over the incident, which resulted in the loss of innocent lives and destruction of property.
In view of the gravity of the situation, Lamthiu appealed to tribal leaders, elders and the general public to maintain calm, exercise utmost restraint and shun all forms of violence and bloodshed among brothers.
He urged all concerned to resolve the matter through dialogue, mutual understanding and peaceful means, while upholding the age-old bonds of brotherhood and peaceful coexistence.
MLA C Kipili Sangtam also expressed shock over the incident, in which innocent lives were lost and property was destroyed. Sensing the gravity of the prevailing situation, he appealed to tribal leaders and the general public to refrain from further violence and bloodshed.
Sangtam urged all concerned to mediate and resolve the issue through mutual understanding and peaceful means, stressing the need to preserve brotherhood and peaceful coexistence between the communities.