Imphal, December 21: Taking serious note of the recent move by the �Unification Team� for initiating a unification process among the Naga armed outfits, the United Naga Council (UNC) observed that the whole process has demeaned the very purpose of Naga political struggle which is more than seven decades old.

A statement issued by UNC general secretary Azang Longmei informed that it is deeply concerned about the unification process as thousands of Nagas belonging to both small and big tribes have laid down their lives for this �noble cause�, particularly when responsible leaders have officially declared that the unification will be �exclusive�.

Stating that its statement should not be misconstrued, the UNC maintained that it should be viewed with due consideration for it concerns the Naga people and �the profound recollection of historical foundation laid down by our great pioneers, past leaders and the present leaders for their resolute determination to sustain our struggle for freedom thus far�.

The UNC was very much a part of the discussion of the consultative meeting of all Naga tribe Hohos, churches, women bodies, human rights organisations, youths and students� organisations held under the aegis of Naga Hoho on December 2 at Kohima and also the subsequent proceedings which was published in the media on December 4 which declared that, �any kind of unification must be inclusive of all Nagas and that unification must be achieved in uniformity with the political aspiration of the Naga people and the ongoing political negotiations�, reminded the UNC.

It observed that collective understanding of the core issues confronting Nagas in many facets can be a milestone in the Naga struggle for just peace. However, at the given situation if some Naga leaders, intellectuals and organisation prefer to take the role of neutrality, then it will be negating the very essence of true healing and also the reconciliation process, alleged the UNC.

�We are firm and we stand by the unification of all Naga family with true healing and reconciliation, with accountability and transparency and inclusive process and in uniformity with the hard won peace and ongoing political talk, as it deals with out sacred struggle with clear common vision derived from the basis laid down by our pioneers, elders and leaders from generation to generation�, declared the UNC.

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