Source: The Sangai Express
Kohima, December 18 (PTI):
In an attempt to consolidate further the Naga peace process, NSCN (K) today offered a month-long cease-fire to its rival underground groups and announced suspension of military operations during this period.
"With the fullest acknowledgement of prime aspirations of the Nagas and implementing the sacred code of unity and peace hereby declare a ceasefire amongst warring Naga brothers for a period of 30 days effective from December 19," said NSCN (K) general secretary Kitovi Zhimomi.
The comparative peaceful atmosphere in the State was vitiated once again in the wake of escalation of factional killings in the past two months, but the people from all walks of life called upon the underground groups to stop such hostilities, particularly before this Christmas celebration.
Kitovi said NSCN (K) president SS Khaplang and he had taken the decision of cease-fire offer in order to make known the Nagas and the world about the underground outfit's efforts for peace and re-conciliation among the Nagas, no matter what differences may exist.
With approaching Christmas and the new year, the Naga army will strictly bind themselves towards suspension of military operations and take defensive front, the NSCN (K) general secretary said.
However, he asserted, the Naga army would have every right to protect themselves from any inimical terrorist if forced upon.
Extending its support to Naga re-conciliation move initiated by Naga Hoho Coordination Committee NSCN (K) maintained that peace and re-conciliation forwarded by Naga Hoho and other NGOs would give a better shape to Naga politics and erase crisis within the Naga society.
Lighting of bonfire in the traditional Naga way and beating of log drum to the accompaniment of the trumpet will signal the formal launch of Naga re-conciliation process with thousands expected to throng the Kohima local ground on the morning of December 20.As per the programmes chalked out for the inaugural function, initiated by Naga Hoho Coordination Committee, Church and Naga Hoho leaders will pray holding hands around the bonfire signifying the rallying of Naga people to the reconciliation process.
Representatives from different Naga tribes will speak on the occasion apart from leaders of political parties and NGOs.
Doves soaring to freedom and a balloon display by Naga women will mark the inaugural ceremony.