Naga Hoho's efforts to end fratricidal killings
The Naga Hoho has disclosed that as a result of a series of meetings between its Liaison
Committee with the leadership of the NSCN factions, both warring groups have agreed to
halt further fratricidal killings.
Terming this as a battle half won for the long cherished desire of peace in the land, the
Hoho further disclosed that it is preparing modalities for peace and unification among the
rival groups and towards this, solicited prayer support of individuals and groups for
succeeding in bringing about complete unity.
A press communiqué issued by the Naga Hoho general secretary Vihuto Yepthomi received in
Kohima urged upon the different groups and the public to observe the following while peace
efforts were on:1. All groups of national workers are advised against
“encroachment” into each other's territory but to confine themselves where they
are at present;
2. Not to issue any “provocative press releases” against each other;
3. No capital punishment shall be awarded to anyone, irrespective of the degree of the
offence;
4. Camps of Naga national workers should not be attacked by Indian Army, paramilitary
forces or state police and
5. Any complaint or suggestion be addressed to the Naga Hoho for remedial measure.
The release also said that the cease-fire which came about after much consultations and
persuasions, resulted with the leadership of the NSCN (IM) agreeing to unconditional
political negotiation and subsequent cease-fire with the Centre on July 25, 1997.
Since August 1, 1997, there have been sixteen (16) rounds of talks between the two sides
at different levels and at different places and the Hoho thanked God for giving wisdom to
these leaders to bring peace again to the land.
However, the situation in the home front continued with fratricidal killings and
considering the Naga people's total revulsion with violence and yearning for peace and
realising the gravity of the situation, the Naga Hoho at its third session at Phek in 1995
constituted its Liaison Committee to make contact with various groups of national workers
to make them understand the reality and to make them come to terms with it.
The Hoho at its fifth session at Zunheboto in 1997 adopted is constitution and also
elected its office bearers thereby making it a truly apex body having the mandate of the
Naga people. Armed with this, the Hoho took the initiative for peace and reconciliation
among different factions through the liaison committee and held a series of meetings with
the leadership of the rival NSCN factions.
According to the Hoho, besides individual contact, the liaison committee held five
official meetings with the NSCN (K) that included three at the ministerial level and two
with its chairman S.S. Khaplang. It also held three ministerial level meetings with the
NSCN (IM) and one with its general secretary Th. Muivah.
It was through such meetings that both factions agreed to stop fratricidal killings, to
bring peace to the land, the Hoho added.
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