Nagaland Chief Minister S. C. Jamir has said the accommodative gesture of the Centre in not renewing the ban on NSCN factions had created a favourable condition to pursue political dialogue for a lasting solution to the Naga problem and appealed to all Naga underground groups to stop armed hostility among themselves.

Speaking at a function on the occasion of the celebration of the 39th statehood day and formal inauguration of five-day Hornbill Festival, Jamir invited all citizens to come forward and build, through ‘our collective effort and wisdom,’ a new Nagaland on the pillars of peace, harmony and unity where everyone has the opportunity to excel according to one’s potential.

Highlighting the achievements made by the State in different areas after attaining statehood in 1963, the Chief Minister, however, regretted that threats, demands, extortion, rape and anti-social activities in the name of a political movement were indulged in while the spectre of violence between the two factions of NSCN continued to haunt the Naga people, who have been longing for peace and prosperity.

Silencing the critics of statehood, the Chief Minister pointed out that it was the best political arrangement with the Government of India that could be done at that point of time (1960) by the Naga leaders when unprecedented violence engulfed each and every Naga home. Statehood was the pillar on which the present development in various fields was achieved, he said. Underscoring the imperative need for peace, Jamir hoped the Hornbill Festival would successfully project the state as a unique tourist destination and celebrate the richness of Naga heritage.