Dimapur, Oct 26 (MExN): In the backdrop of the standoff between the NSCN factions at Zunheboto, Nagaland Home Minister Thenucho has made a fervent appeal to both the factions to vacate civilian areas and to confine themselves to their respective designated camps while stating that this will facilitate peace initiatives and also remove the fear and tension from the minds of the people.
The Home Minister expressed deep concern the ongoing impasse at Zunheboto town covering specifically Amboto colony, where the factions have both totally disregarded the security and safety of the people of Zunheboto town and the neighboring villages, despite repeated pleas made to both the groups.
In a press communiqué issued late this evening, Thenucho pointed out that the increasing incident of killings and armed encounters amongst the factions in various parts of the State was contrary to the objectives of the peace process and Cease fire agreements and such incidents went against the interest of the general public of the State.
Reiterating DAN Government’s support for a peaceful resolution of the Naga political problem, Thenucho stated that till today the government had supported all the initiatives being taken in the peace process between the Government of India and the NSCN. “Towards this effort we have also constituted the Consultative Committee for the Peace and we have been encouraging the participation of the Civil Societies, NGOs and the Church in helping build the proper social environment for the success of the peace process in the state”, he maintained.
While reiterating the government’s commitment to the peace process the Home Minister also made it clear that the DAN government was committed to protecting the safety and security of the people of the state.
Despite the fact that the Cease Fire Monitoring Group (CFMG) is the agency to regulate the cease-fire ground rules, Thenucho maintained that the continued stay of armed cadres in populated areas such as Zunheboto Town and villages was a clear violation of the Cease-Fire Ground Rules. The District Administration is responsible for the protection of members of the public and it is within its powers to order the removal of any person who is likely to disturb the public peace within its jurisdiction, the Home Minister stated.
Thenucho appealed to leaders of both NSCN factions to appreciate the trauma and tension that is being created by them in the normal lives of the people of the State, through their factional fights and particularly the public of Zunheboto town and the neighbouring villages.
