Joint Forum extends Ceasefire for 1 year

Kohima May 27 (UNI) A meeting of the Joint Forum of the Nagaland Gaon Burahs (GB) Federation and Dobhasis (DB) Association here today resolved to extend the existing cease-fire among all sections of the underground for another year and appealed to them to shun violence.

The Joint Forum meeting was attended by the GBs from all over the state, representatives of Naga Hoho, Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organization (ENPO), Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), Naga National Council (NNC), Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN) and Government of peoples Republic of Nagaland (GPRN/NSCN) led by Khaplang, according to a release here today by the Chairman of the Joint Forum K. Vikuto Zhimomi, Convenor A. Taku Longkumer, Vice- Chairman T. Siyang Chang and Secretary Lungrahei Herie.

The release said the messages of support were also received from GPRN/NSCN (led by Isak Chishi Swu), Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) and Naga Students' Federation (NSF).

The meeting asked them to stop the fratricidal killings and bloodshed among the Nagas of different factions and killings of innocent civilian during clashes It also resolved to appeal to all factions of underground for peaceful co-existence among themselves and to create conducive atmosphere for peace in Naga society.

To create the conducive situation in the state, the meeting resolved that all factions of underground must agree for cease-fire between them for one year with effect from June 7, the day when the continued cease-fire of six months will end.

For any violation of cease-fire by any group shall be dealt with as per customary law through the district Forum and at the state level,the meeting warned.

The meeting further resolved that the Cease-Fire Ground Rules, agreed by the underground groups with the Centre must be implemented in letter and spirit by the enforcing agency and resolved to give full support for its implementation.

UNI AS KK RN1645