IMPHAL, December 20: The Naga People’s Organization has showed concern over the continuing gun-battles between various Naga armed outfits in Manipur and Nagaland.
In a press release, the organization has appealed for tranquility and peace to reign over the land during this festive and holy month for every Christians. The recent outbreak of shoot-out at Khoupam valley and Dimapur town is disturbing to the peaceful existence especially during these festive months, it added.
The factional fighting between the Zeliangrong United Front (ZUF) and NSCN-IM killing one IM cadre is vigorously condemnable at the backdrop of sincere appeals made by Naga civil bodies and Nagas general public since many months. Moreover, the gun battle between cadres of NSCN Khaplang and the GPRN/NSCN (Khehoi) at Naharbari village in Dimapur, Nagaland on December 19 has seriously affected the public’s cry for communal harmony. Such disregard and insult of public appeals for peace and reconciliation among the Naga factions is unacceptable, the release added.
Calling for immediate cease-fire and halt of all provocative activities between different Naga groups, the NPO also shares the grief of family members and condoles the sad demise of lieutenant Daikho Peter of Kalinamai village who was killed in the factional fight on December 18 in Khoupum valley. “Shedding the blood by his own brother has no joy or victory for any Nagas but pains the spirit of Nagas Unity and oneness”. The development has seriously jeopardized the otherwise much appreciated and joyful reconciliation process of all the Naga revolutionary groups, the statement added. The NPO again appealed for sanity and peace to return during this season of forgiveness and celebration of brotherhood.
Meanwhile, the Naga People’s Organization (NPO) has also appealed to the KCP calling the 36hrs general strike to suspend the said bandh during this festive season especially for Christians. With common people especially from the hill districts heavily depending on the capital city of Imphal for shopping and other purposes, imposing such bandh will affect such yearly activities. Understanding the religious and festive season of the public, the NPO appeals for relaxation of bandh to the people of the state, the release added.
