Naga Hoho welcomes indefinite truce extension on cautious note

Dimapur, July 31 (UNI) The Naga Hoho, an apex body of Naga civil societies' organisations, today welcomed the indefinite ceasefire extension between the NSCN (IM) and the Centre on a cautious note.

Talking to UNI Naga Hoho publicity secretary R Thuba Ozukun said, '' We are happy at the ceasefire extension, but it needs to make substantive changes for the peace process to survive.'' ''The ceasefire should be carried forward. But if nothing substantive emerges, the ceasefire might break down, Mr Ozukun warned.

He pointed that earlier truces were time-bound, but this extension is an indefinite one and the entire peace process could fail if no concrete advancement is made in settling the vexed problem.

'' Each round of negotiation is crucial from now on and both sides should be alert,'' he observed.

The publicity secretary slammed the Centre and alleged that it was being 'insincere' to the peace process.

He said, '' The Centre was told what the Nagas want, but nothing worthwhile has come about it till now.'' The Naga Hoho leader said the ball was in the Centre's court and an early solution would be welcome.

A bilateral meeting between the NSCN (IM) top brass and Centre's representatives earlier in the day had decided to extend the decade-old ceasefire indefinitely from tomorrow.

UNI