Factional feud deals blow to peace bid
Source: The Sangai Express / Agencies
Dimapur, February 28 2011:
The Naga reconciliation process, initiated by the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR), seems to have run into a rough weather in the wake of the recent turf war between the rival NSCN groups in the eastern part of Nagaland.
Following the recent encounter between the two factions of the Naga rebel group, the NSCN (K) has declared that the reconciliation process was a "closed chapter because of the NSCN(IM)" .
"It is not worthwhile to stretch on the interaction for reconciliation if the people you approach are a confused lot and are not prepared to reconcile in true spirit.
What is the use of holding reconciliation meeting if we cannot abide by the resolutions adopted?" NSCN (K) spokesperson P Tikhak questioned in a statement issued late on Saturday night.
"If the situation worsens any further, the Nagas must understand it is a deliberate action by the NSCN (IM)," he added.
The NSCN (K) spokesperson alleged that heavily armed NSCN (IM) rebels, led by "brigadier" Absolom Tangkhul alias Rockwang, came inside the NSCN(K)'s "base area" in eastern Nagaland, compelling Khaplang's army "to defend themselves against forceful intrusion" .
"We regret to inform the Nagas that in the aftermath of the clash four days ago, several bodies of NSCN (IM) cadres were found along with arms and ammunition in jungles.
Their lives were cut short because their leaders continued to demand precious Naga blood.
Proper burial was given to all of them," the statement said.
"What is happening in eastern Nagaland is a unilateral abrogation of the Covenant of Reconciliation by NSCN (IM)," Tikhak said, adding reconciliation among different party cannot happen by holding guns in hand or "What is happening in eastern Nagaland is a unilateral abrogation of the Covenant of Reconciliation by NSCN (IM)," Tikhak said, adding reconciliation among different party cannot happen by holding guns in hand or by considering himself or herself superior than the other." It said, "We all know that, many Naga precious souls have been lost because of infighting.
Not to talk about hundreds of unarmed Naga civilians killed by Muivah's men in Lainong and Khiamnungan areas for no fault of theirs" .