Oct 28, 2010

Nagalim: Civil societies urge Indian Government to expedite Naga peace talks


 

Naga civil society groups have demanded that the on-going peace talks should be expedited by the Centre for lasting peace in the region. 

 

Below is an article published by IBN live:


A consultative meet of civil societies held here yesterday resolved to post a memorandum shortly to the prime minister urging the Centre to be 'more sincere and pragmatic' towards a honorable and acceptable solution to the on-going Naga political dialogue.The apex tribal council Naga Hoho, Naga Mothers Association (NMA), Naga Students Federation (NSF) and other tribal groups deliberated on issues confronting the Nagas and drafted a four-point recommendation, a statement here said.The meeting also resolved that all political prisoners irrespective of Naga (underground) groups should be released from the custody of different agencies under Government of India towards furthering political negotiation.This was demanded as a large number of activists were arrested and imprisoned under NSA during the ceasefire period.Recently National Investigation Agency (NIA) had arrested Anthony Shimrey, in-charge of NSCN(I-M) foreign affairs, on charges of arms running on his way to New Delhi from Bangkok via Kathmandu, but the outfit claimed that he was going to the capital to take part in the peace talks.The civil societies appealed to all Naga underground groups 'to be realistic' on imposition of 'taxes' on individuals and the business community and foresaw the wrath of the people.Following deferment of the October 26 mass peace rally at Dimapur in support of the peace process, the consultative meet recommended organising such rallies at district level in all Naga inhabited areas highlighting all issues.It also decided to hold another consultative meeting with academicians, politicians, social activists to deliberate over 'inclusiveness in the peace process', and to bring out a road map along with detailed mechanisms in the best interest of the Naga people.Meanwhile, hundreds of Nagas in Manipur joined a peace rally organized by United Naga Council (UNC) Manipur at Senapati yesterday demanding that the Centre hasten the Naga peace talks.Following the rally, various Naga organizations from Manipur sent a joint memorandum to the prime minister saying peaceful resolution of the Naga conflict would help promote peace in the entire south Asian region."We, the Nagas in the present state of Manipur extend our heartfelt gratitude to your (Dr Manmohan Singh) leadership for upholding the Indo-Naga cease-fire and taking up the Indo-Naga peace process," the memorandum stated.