NGOs questions factions on resolving Naga issue

Kohima, Jun 27(UNI) In an unprecedented development in the backdrop of inter-factional clash at Vihokhu, three apex Naga organisations today questioned the sincerity of the Naga ''national groups'' (Undergrounds) in resolving the Indo-Naga political conflict.

The organisations are the Naga Mothers' Association(NMA), Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights(NPMHR) and the Naga Students' Federation(NSF).

In a joint release here NMA general secretary Vivy Nyuthe, NPMHR convener Atoho Kiho and NSF president Imchatoba Imchen said it was well documented that the Nagas, using every available platform, had been questioning the sincerity of the Government of India(GoI) in resolving the Indo-Naga political issue.

''But it is time for the Nagas to question their own sincerity in resolving this conflict,'' they said.

Expressing disgust, frustration and pain over the continued clashes, the statement said they could not comprehend the absurdity of continued killings among brothers who are all, ostensibly, struggling for the same goal. They pointed out that escalation of factional clashes in and around Vihokhu has dampened the hope of the Naga people for a long-sought reconciliation and sustainable peace, particularly in the backdrop of the second Naga reconciliation meeting at Chiang Mai in Thailand, which ended yesterday.

''The clash has made mockery of the sincere efforts of the Naga people and well-wishers for permanent peace in our blood soaked land,'' they said.

The statement also wondered whether the Indo-Naga conflict is being used by people with vested interests to consolidate and entrench positions of power achieved over several years of struggle at the expense of Nagas' national aspiration. It asserted that ignoring this ominous development would be disastrous for the Nagas because truth is derived only with the consent of the people being represented.

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