WITH a view to uniting the warring underground groups, NSCN (I-M) has circulated a seven-point formula, which lays emphasis on peace and re-conciliation.

After extension of the ceasefire between the Centre and NSCN (K) last month for another one year, Khaplang-led NSCN also called for unity among the Nagas, asserting that any form of settlement to the vexed problem without unity and peace would become a ‘nightmare’. 

Celebrating the 52nd anniversary of ‘Naga Plebiscite Day’ on May 16 in the presence of representatives of various NGOs, Naga National Council (NNC), which spearheaded the political struggle in the mid 1940s, also called for mending differences among the various groups. They should come together under the banner of ‘Naga National Principles’, NNC said.

The IM formula is a sequel to its belief that re-conciliation and unity is imperative for ushering in peace. The formula therefore calls for admission of "past mistakes" by various groups. They should also seek ‘forgiveness’ from the ‘victims’ (of violence) to bring about unity, NSCN (IM) said, asserting that the proposed re-conciliation must strengthen the on-going peace talk process with the Centre.

A statement issued by NSCN (IM) information and publicity wing said "Whoever has committed an offence or a crime against anybody should realise that he or she has done it ... They should seek forgiveness from the victims."

NSCN (K), on its part, has said the formation of the State in 1963 was preceded by signing of a 16-point agreement but the pact had sown the "seed of hatred and divisions" among Nagas. Makers of this pact did not concentrate on peace and unity but "blindly heeded to an unacceptable solution leading to continuous political conflict till date. "This is why the Nagas should not randomly press for a solution at this juncture but first restore peace and unity among themselves to end the evils of factionalism and achieve the political goals for which they have been struggling for", NSCN (K) said in a statement .

NSCN (K) leader Kughalu Mulatonu asserted that peace and unity among the Nagas could be termed as "one form of solution" and without this, any form of solution would become a ‘nightmare’ for the Nagas. The NSCN (K) called upon every individual and organisation to set aside their preferences and take into consideration Naga historical background.

The Government on its part has formed a peace committee with chief minister Neiphiu Rio as chairman and representatives of various NGOs as members. 

IM denies link with Konyak

The NSCN (IM) has denied any link with the Nagaland Transport Minister Yeangpong Konyak. The clarification was in the context of the arrest of Konyak’s personal secretary on May 6.

Assam Police arrested Arun Wangchuk along with an IM activist ‘sergeant major’ Topho and two others at an inter-state border check post in Karbi Anglong. A huge cache of explosives - 300 gelatin sticks, 40 detonators, a coil of fuse - wire were found with them besides several pairs of Army uniforms in the ‘official’ vehicle of Wangchuk..

IM said Topho had "forcibly used" the State Government’s vehicle to carry explosives for "his personal interest".

Karbi Anglong police quoted Topho as saying that the consignment was headed for Mon district to boost IM fire power. Mon district is a stronghold of its rival NSCN (K). During interrogation, he said he had transported explosives in Government vehicles to Mokokchung and Tuensang districts also in the past. An NSCN (IM) release said the organisation thoroughly investigated the incident and found that the Topho had forcibly used the Minister’s vehicle for his "personal interest".

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