DIMAPUR, JUNE 22 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) today said it has been “deeply pained” by the armed encounter between the NSCN (K) and the Assam Rifles at Aboi on June 17.
“We hold the Government of India (GoI) responsible in the failure to reach out to the NSCN (K) with positive steps to ensure an end to armed violence,” a press note from the NMA stated, while reiterating its appeal to the GoI to “lift the ban on the NSCN (K) and give space for dialogues for cessation of hostilities and inviting them into a ceasefire and restoring peace in border areas.”
It further appealed to the NSCN (K) to cease hostilities and consider coming into a ceasefire agreement “for upholding peace in our land.” “We cannot leave a legacy of killings and bloodshed to our children and we pray that there is no more bloodshed. The loss of lives, be it Naga or Indian soldiers, is a terrible memory for bereaved families. More so the memories of Naga civilians and women and children killed by the Indian army. However at this critical period in our political struggle we urge for Peace and Justice through dialogue and non-violence for the sake of generations to come,” the NMA said.
It meanwhile conveyed the association’s sympathies to the grieving families and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. The NMA further appealed that no further encounters take place in civilian areas where the public bears the brunt of such hostilities.
