Rio for broad-based Naga unity

Kohima, May 31 (UNI) Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio has reiterated that the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government would continue to support broad-based and inclusive efforts towards unification of the underground outfits, as well as the Reconciliation Forum that was instituted by the Churches and civil societies.

Addressing the ninth general session of the Naga Hoho at Peren, the district headquarters, about 140 km from Kohima, Mr Rio yesterday expressed concern over the ''senseless killings'' among the Nagas at a time when the people were craving for peace and progress.

Stating that such killings were hurting the people deeply, he asserted that it must be made known to all underground factions that people wanted the killings to come to an immediate halt.

''Any person or organisation that professes to represent the interest of the people, should also listen to their voice,'' he said.

Maintaining that fratricidal clashes had created turmoil, the Chief Minister said the need of the hour was for the Naga society to work towards understanding and unity.

He also reminded that factional clashes, which were political in nature, must be handled differently.

To substantiate his statement, he said the Union Ministry of Home Affairs confirmed the stand of the state government by issuing the Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) guidelines in January.

He, therefore, said one must be careful not to undermine the Naga political issue by terming it a mere law and order problem.

In reminding of the desire of the Naga family to live together, under a common administrative umbrella, Mr Rio recalled the four resolutions passed by the Nagaland Legislative Assembly for integration of all contiguous Naga areas.

He reiterated that the state government would remain committed and continue to carry the people's voice to all concerned agencies on the issue.

He also called for attention towards the Naga family in Myanmar, who had been ''suffering for decades'', instead of fighting among themselves.

He impressed upon the gathering to take up their cause so that they might get some political recognition which would pave the way for their socio-economic uplift and added that it should be every Naga's moral duty to take up the cause of the Eastern Nagas (in Myanmar) with the Governments of India and Myanmar.

Terming the Naga Hoho session of immense significance to the society, the Chief Minister hoped that some concrete decision would emerge in the search for peace and oneness.

Home Minister Imkong L Imchen, Planning Minister T R Zeliang, Power Minister Doshehe, Parliamentary Secretaries and senior bureaucrats also attended the function.

UNI AS DPM SW RAI1207