Dimapur, December 12: Several thousands of people from all walks of life gathered today at City Tower Junction, Dimapur, for a Civil Demonstration demanding an early solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political problem.

The demonstration was organized by the Naga Council, Dimapur on behalf of Naga organizations like the Naga Hoho, Naga Students' Federation (NSF), Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Women Hohos, Churches, GBs, NGOs, etc.

Speaking at the rally, Naga Hoho president, Horangse Sangtam, said the Nagas were not inferior to other peoples, but were equally capable and as good as any others.

"We deserve to get our rights as other peoples everywhere," he said adding: "How long can the Government of India (GOI) keep on lying to us.

We want to know the truth� we want to live in peace." Horangse said the ceasefire had no meaning if it did not show the way to any tangible solution.

He asked the GOI not to "cheat the Nagas anymore� do not bluff the Nagas anymore." Naga Hoho speaker, H.K.Zhimomi, accused vested interests of trying to sabotage the talks.

He asserted that any kind of solution that was contrary to the desire of the Nagas to live under one administrative umbrella would not be acceptable to the people.

NPMHR secretary general, Nepuni Piku, asserted that it was fit for Naga civil societies and citizens of Dimapur town to come out in support of a peaceful solution.

He further said that it was people who should have the urge to have peace in the land.

Only when people start participating in peaceful rallies like this would peace be sustainable.

NSF speaker, W.H.Maring, questioned the GOI's seriousness on the issue as the ceasefire had already completed eight and a half years.

He asked whether the time was too short and how long would it take for the GOI to arrive at any tangible solution.

Dimapur Naga Women Hoho president, Tiala Sapu, reiterated that the people wanted an early solution and settlement before it was too late.

Senior non-local citizen, Manik Bhattacharjee, said the happiness of the Nagas was the happiness of all and appealed to all to love the Nagas and not hate them.

He added: "We want peace� Bless our Nagaland." Senior citizen, Kasar said the Nagas had been struggling for over 50 years now.

But so far, the Indian Government had been continuously taking the Nagas for a ride.

Dr Inato Zhimomi, said that the Indian Government should not only recognize the uniqueness of the Naga history but also the Uniqueness of the Naga territory.

Earlier, the invocation prayer for the rally programme was offered by Rev.Dr.Phuveyi Dozo, Director, Overseas Crusade and Rev..ZYabang Ao, president, Dimapur Baptist Pastors' Fellowship pronounced the benediction.

The programme was held under the chairpersonship of Savi Legiese, President, Naga Council, Dimapur.

Today's demonstration comes in the backdrop of the recent interview of NSCN (IM) general secretary, Th.Muivah with BBC news where he had threatened to pull out of the ceasefire when the current one expires on January 31, 2006.The ceasefire between the NSCN (IM) and the GOI has been on since 1997.

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