Rio for broad-based unity move among Nagas

Kohima, Dec 5: Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has asserted that his government will fully endorse any unity move among the Naga factions for the benefit of all the Naga people.

Laying the foundation stone of the Kidima village Panchayata Hall yesterday, about 50 kms from here, the Chief Minister said, ''We fully endorse any unity move. But it should be for the welfare of all the Nagas. We also welcome the unity initiatives that are currently taking place.'' He criticised any opposition to the unification move and advocated for clear formulation of the process instead of creating confusion by giving too many suggestions.

Meanwhile, state Agriculture Minister K Azo Neinu, in a statement here today, also extended support to the unification move and said the Naga brethren should extend support to the movement so long as the movement ''is not confined to one single tribe or the NSCN factions alone and not involved in state politics.'' Mr Azo maintained that the unification was a step forward to a new era and a new beginning for all the Nagas to settle their differences and find a solution acceptable to all the people of the state.

He asserted that there should be no more fratricidal killings and the underground factions should not get involved in the state politics so that they could win the trust and popular support of the Naga people.

UNI