The All Sumi Students' Union (SKK) will observe the second anniversary of "peace zone declaration" on June 4, 2002 at Nagaland's Zunheboto district.
According to the Union President L Khevishe Achumi and General Secretary Z Hukato Tuccu, the celebration is mainly for upholding and reaffirming the earlier resolution made with both the factions by the Sumi Hoho and its frontal organizations. The two student leaders also explained that having such development in the district is to aim at maintaining peace and tranquility in the district.
The student body also requested all Sumi NGOs, concerned citizens and SKK Unit Presidents,
Secretaries to participate without fail and further appealed to all the heads of educational institutions and business establishments to remain closed till the function is over.
It may be mentioned that both factions of the NSCN declared Zunheboto district for the first time as "peace zone" in July 2000. The district is mainly inhabited by Sumi tribes and interestingly, NSCN (IM) Chairman Iska Chishi Swu belongs to this tribe. The Sumi Hoho, apex body of the Sumis was responsible in bring the district under "peace zone" as they initiated the move.
Following the declaration of Zunheboto as "peace zone", the two NSCN factions also agreed to declare Chang region in Tuensang district as "peace zone" in September 2000. The decision was taken at a meeting between NSCN factions and Chang Khulei Setshang at Haak village in the district. The meeting also resolved to put an end to offensive operations such as ambush and kidnappings.
During the meeting they agreed to check unauthorized collection of taxes from the public, businessmen and government employees. They also resolved that Chang Khulei Setsang be consulted if any misunderstandings arose from the resolutions passed in the joint meeting. The Yimchunger region in the Tuensang district also followed footsteps of Chang region by declaring "peace zone' in the area.
It may also be noted that number of peace rallies have already been held in various parts of the State denouncing all forms of violent activities like factional fights, extortions, kidnappings, forced
recruitment to underground organizations, etc. People all over the State have expressed their profound desire for peace and tranquility in the State and called upon the various factions to work for peace and unity for solution to the protracted Naga political problems.
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