Dimapur, May 28 (MExN): Predictably, the renewed surge of factional clashes between the two NSCNs has prompted the Nagaland Baptist Churches Council (NBCC) as well as the ceasefire monitoring cell respective to both the groups, to address the issues involved and take steps to avert further aggravation of the volatile situation.
The NBCC is expected to come out with a ‘plan of action’ within a few days time to “take a stand” on the renewed factional clashes – which has so far claimed several lives –as well as address the misery being faced by the public. According to knowledgeable sources associated with the council, the NBCC is working on a set of actions that would “represent the sentiments of the fear-ridden and now-uncertain people” and pave way for dialogue between both the two warring groups.
When contacted for confirmation on the matter, General Secretary of the NBCC Zhabu Terhuja only said the Council would come out with a plan of action very soon. “Documents are being assessed and we will come out with a plan of action very soon” Terhuja said while informing that the situation is being assessed and necessary reports examined thoroughly. The NBCC General Secretary however, did not divulge further details on the matters inclusive of the “documents” or the specifics involved in the plan of action. Director of the NBCC’s Peace Committee could not be contacted for comments.
On the Nagaland Government’s front, Home Minister Thenucho, reacting to criticism that the state government was ‘keeping silent’ and limiting itself only to condemning the killings, said that the government was never docile on the matter of factional clashes. “The State Government never keeps silent. In fact it is trying to stop the killings. It is a matter of great concern and this type of killings will not solve any problem” the Home Minister said. He also held, albeit subtly, that “the matter had gone out of our control” but did not elaborate why it was so. However he continued “Whether it is an NSCN-K killed, an NSCN-IM killed, FGN killed or NNC killed, we are all Nagas. I appeal to all sections to stop the killings. Any form of killing is against humanity”. Further, taking cognizance of reports that the NBCC is working on a ‘plan of action’ Thenucho expressed happiness at the church’s initiative. “It is the duty of church workers to educate the people” he said simply. As believers in God and as Christian brothers one should love his fellowmen, he added.
Meanwhile Chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Cell Lt. General (retd) RV Kulkarani said that containing the warring groups was the responsibility of government agencies. Kulkarani maintained that he had no say in the matter regarding whether or not the factions are violating obligations to the ceasefire ground rules laid down in their respective ceasefire agreements. “It is the responsibility of the Centre, security forces and the police. I cannot give orders nor do anything” the retired General said. On the current situation, Kulkarani while informing that he had been out of station and his comprehension of the situation has only been through media reports, assured that he would very soon meet the parties involved. “Generally, for me I cannot comment of the situation before taking thorough assessment but the parties have to be met very soon” he said.
