Nagas to pursue area integration

Kohima, Jul 18: Naga Hoho, the apex body of all the Naga tribes, has resolved to pursue the integration of Naga areas and said the issue is not negotiable whatever may be the nature and terms of negotiation in the on-going Indo-Naga peace talks.

Naga Hoho General Secretary Neingulo Krome told newsmen that this was resolved in their "Federal Assembly" meeting last Friday.

He further said the house recommended extension of the period of cease-fire to facilitate the peace negotiations.

He also reiterated the commitment to stop fratricides amongst the 'Naga national workers' (undergrounds).

The Assembly urged the state government to expedite the affiliation process of all the private schools in Naga hill districts in Manipur to the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).

The apex body further urged to implement the pre-1972 Status, guaranteed to all Naga citizens residing in the state.

Expressing concern upon the alleged attrocities of the army and other militant groups on innocent civilians in the Naga areas at Halflong and adjoining vicinities of the North Cachar Hills under Asom, the house demanded adequate security to the Naga population.

UNI