DIMAPUR, FEBRUARY 12 (MExN): Calling for peace initiative, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), on Friday appealed to all the people affected by the February 6 incident and aftermath violence to exercise utmost restraint to prevent violence from spreading any further.
A press statement from NBCC said the prevailing situation at Shamator and Kiphire was deliberated during the ongoing 79th annual general council which is underway at the Nagaland Police Baptist Churches Council Mission Compound, Chumukedima since February 11.
It expressed grief that the premeditated murder of a wife and a husband on February 6 has not only claimed precious lives but also rendered their innocent children orphans. The incident has also triggered off wide spread destruction and violence in the surrounding area, it added.
While every peace loving citizen is shocked and saddened by such an unpleasant development, the NBCC said, “we who have decided to follow Christ have not given up hope of a better tomorrow.”
“As our brothers and sisters in the affected area go through the dark moment of fear, anger, loss and uncertainty, we sincerely share their feelings and earnestly pray that this situation will give way to better understanding of each other and lay a stronger foundation for a lasting relationship,” the press statement read.
NBCC also asserted that it stands by the word of God and urged every individual and group involved in the situation to shun the path of violence and come to a negotiating table to reason together with a cold head.
“Violence only gives birth to more violence. Forgiveness, on the other hand, will pave the way for a peaceful coexistence and a harmonious society,” it said.
Naga Hoho, ENPO condemn
Meanwhile, Naga Hoho and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organization (ENPO) in separate statements condemned the February 6 brutal killing of a couple between Shamator and Kiphire by unidentified miscreants.
Naga Hoho in a press statement also made fervent appeals to all citizens in the area to maintain peace and calm so as not to create more hatred among the communities.
Further, it urged the State Government to promptly intervene into the situation “as the February 6 incident was not the first incident” and also establish the truth behind the cold blooded murder and award befitting punishment to the culprits.
In the same line, ENPO –Central Executive Council (CEC) strongly urged the State Government to book the culprits and award befitting punishment as per the law, and bring justice to the unfortunate victim’s family without delay.
