The recently formed Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF) was organized as a result of great concern following the recent violent clashes between the KPLT and NRHPF resulting in the dead of innocent lives and damage of properties in Karbi Anglong. We, the Karbi Anglong Peace Forum, condemn all forms of violence, be it physical, mental, and psychological. The KAPF does not consist of a single tribe or community. It represents all the citizens of Karbi Anglong. This peace forum was initiated by the Church, and cooperating with the initiative are thirty civil and students organizations.
The press statement issued by Council of Naga Rengma Hills (CNRH)/ Naga Rengma Hills Protection Force (NRHPF) on January 4, 2014 that appeared in some section of media reported from Nagaland contains highly inflammatory and provocative statements. Such irresponsible and baseless statements can harm the peace process and incite more trouble.
First, we condemn the remark made by Keyhang Rengma that “the recently floated Karbi Anglong Peace Forum (KAPF) would not be able to mitigate the problem but strengthen the Karbis in terrorizing the non-Karbis.” Such remarks are extremely irresponsible. The KAPF is a genuine peace-loving and peace-seeking forum of diverse tribes and organizations of Karbi Anglong. We strongly object to the term “civil war with the Rengmas” used by Keyhang Rengma. We do not seek to “play a supportive role” to any group in any dispute, and that it does wish that a “civil war” happen anywhere.
We would like to clarify that the present dispute is between the KPLT and the NRHPF, and that “the Karbi public” as alleged by Keyhang Rengma is not part of the fight. It is unfortunate that in a dispute between two militant groups the public and the name of any tribe is dragged into the conflict.
Since we are trying to build peace and brotherhood among all tribes and communities, we appeal that the use of exclusive and discriminatory terms like “non-Karbi” by the CNRH/ NRHPF must be avoided.
