Dimapur, August 18 (MExN): Expressing deepest disappointment and anguish over what it simply called “the recent happening in the Naga inhabited area” in Ukhrul, the Naga Hoho has made an appeal to all groups and individuals involved in the peace process to “maintain the ceasefire in letter and spirit” and to work for finding an amicable settlement. Ukhrul in Manipur is in upheaval since August 12 when Assam Rifles and the NSCN (IM) cadres reportedly engaged in a shootout that left a number of the NSCN (IM) cadres dead. “If armed conflict had any solution, the entire scenario would have been different,” stated the Hoho in a press release from its publicity secretary, C Daipao. “But at such a time where different nations are working to settle differences through dialogue, the act of the Assam Rifles in Ukhrul is uncalled for and deserves to be condemned by one and all,” the hoho said. The Naga Hoho has appealed to the Naga people to “restrain from retaliating against any forces who are trying to sabotage the aspirations of the Naga people” and to take into consideration the larger interest of the Naga nation.
