Nagaland elders meet to secure peace among warring Naga factions

By Vibou Ganguly

Kohima, Jan 22 : About hundred elders and peace mediators from different parts of Nagaland held a joint meeting here recently to take stock of the peace pact between the various warring Naga factions.

Gaon-buras (GB or elders) and Dobashis (DB or peace mediators) held five-hour long closed-door discussion on how to help groups sort out their differences.

The meeting was not open to the media as it was felt that selective leaks to the media do not serve the larger purpose of uniting all the Naga groups.

The situation in insurgency-hit Nagaland had worsened due to infighting within the rebel clans.

Efforts are continuing to unite Naga rebel factions.

Zehozu Kera, a GB member, said: "The people's union feel the efforts have been 75 percent successful, while some say, it has not reached that level. But we are hopeful that peace would be achieved."

Longrahe Herie, Nagaland DB Secretary, said: "The meeting was held to discuss the present situation in Nagaland, since efforts have been initiated to ensure peace and unity among the warring Naga cadres. So far, we have achieved some success and yet we have been unable to accomplish things fully."

The three principal Naga rebel factions recently decided to sink their differences and join hands for restoration of permanent peace in the State.

The peace pact is significant as it spells an end to clashes between the cadres of the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isac-Muivah), NSCN (Khaplang) and the Naga National Council led by Adino Phizo.

ANI