Naga Hoho, the apex Naga body in the State, has called upon security forces to join hands to bring all underground factions together and help the State  in finding a lasting solution to the protracted Naga issue.

Various Naga Hohos met Inspector General of Assam Rifles Major General KTG Nambiar and chairman of ceasefire monitoring group and ceasefire supervisory board Lt Gen (retd) R. V. Kulkarni and made the appeal.

Naga leaders admitted that ceasefire had ushered in changes to the Naga society and suggested that it be extended to all areas. The Naga Hoho and other tribal Hohos also expressed suspicion over the motive of Centre behind the extension of Disturbed Areas Act (DAA) for another year in the State and alleged that "there were some forces working actively to divide the Naga people".

Stating that differences could be felt between the Prime Minister Office (PMO) and the Army functionaries in the State, the Hohos said Centre was working sincerely and hoped that the ongoing peace talks would be successful.

Sum Hoho, Rengma Hoho, Lotha Hoho, Naga Council Dimapur and the United Naga Council of Manipur made it clear to the security forces that "piece meal solution would not be accepted by the Nagas at any cost".

We donot want to prolong the process but want to come to an amicable solution at the earliest," they declared. We don’t want any more fighting between the Naga army and Indian counterparts, they said and added that Nagas want to live a peaceful co-existence with India and maintain a good neighbourly relation. They urged Gen Kulkarni and the security forces to convey the desire of Nagas to the Centre.

Lt Gen Kulkarni said the differences between the NGOs and the security forces would not solve any problem. He said it was time for the people to sit and share their views and opinions to bring out positive steps, which would benefit all sections.

Pointing to the Disturbed Areas Act and Armed Forces Special Power Act, Gen Kulkarni said these Acts have nothing to do with ceasefire monitoring mechanism, rather, he said Centre had extended the act for another year for not being satisfied with the prevailing situation in the State.

| Nagaland | North East Enquirer (Headlines) | Nena Home Page |