CNC attributes breakthrough in peace talks to ‘prayer’

Dimapur, Nov. 1 (EMN): A day after the negotiators representing the government of India and the NSCN (IM) reportedly achieved a breakthrough with regard to the demand for “a separate Naga flag and constitution”, the Council of Nagalim Churches (CNC) has released a statement attributing the positive outcome of the crucial talks to the “prayers” of the people.

“We, the CNC express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all the Churches at home and abroad, prayer groups, organisations, associations, well-wishers, families and individuals who had been ceaselessly fasting and praying for the positive outcome and progress of the protracted  Naga-Indo political talk,” read the statement.

The council thanked “God for enabling the NSCN and GOI to arrive at a positive understanding to continue the peace talks for final solution” and requested the people to pray.

“We further appeal to everyone to kindly continue to pray for both the negotiating parties till the final solution is arrived at,” it stated. “Let us also continue to pray especially for peace, unity and reconciliation among Naga brethren so that together we can build our nation for Christ.”

Naga Hoho congratulates negotiators, asks public to reconcile

The Naga Hoho has expressed happiness over the talks between the NSCN/GPRN and Government of India concluding peacefully after days of “fear and uncertainty” that was looming large in the minds of the people.

The Hoho congratulated Interlocutor RN Ravi and NSCN (I-M) leadership for arriving at a mutual understanding; and national leaders Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for having the resoluteness to solve the Indo-Naga political issue.

“The dream and desire of the Naga people for permanent peace and tranquillity in our Naga homeland will soon become a reality by paving a way forward for the future. The Hoho appreciates all the civil societies, mass-based organisations, churches and the Naga people for their constant support and prayers,” read the statement.

However, it added that “the Government of India must adhere to the agreed terms and principle while finalising the competencies for signing of the Indo-Naga Political Agreement and to implement its commitments in letter and spirit as it has become imperative to resolve the issue once and for all.”

“As we are entering into a new era of political development, greater responsibilities have to be shouldered by every stakeholders towards bringing unity and reconciliation which is the sincere desire of all the Naga people and therefore, all the Naga political groups particularly the NSCN/GPRN and 7 NNPGs must come together to ensure peaceful transition and a vibrant Naga society with progress, peace and development in the Naga Homeland,” added the statement.

The Hoho further appealed “to all the Naga people, tribe Hohos and civil societies to come together leaving aside our past differences and take up the responsibilities which is now lies with the people. Let us all unite and be vigilant with patience until such time the final agreement is signed.”

JD (U) assures support for good governance

The Janata Dal United Nagaland Unit has conveyed its appreciation to the GOI and the NSCN (IM) for coming to an understanding on the contentious issue of the flag and the constitution as a prelude to a peaceful settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem.

Through a statement made available to the media on Friday, the party stated that agreement arrived at between the GOI and the NSNC-IM as well as the NNPGs “should usher in peace and tranquillity” in all Naga-inhabited areas. It added that it should fulfil the dreams of the younger generation who have been longing for “progress in a corruption-free atmosphere.”

“The JDU will support all initiatives for good governance and work cohesively for the over-all development of Nagaland and get it rid from crime, corruption and communalism,” read the statement.

Nagaland Peace Centre expresses gratitude

The Nagaland Peace Centre (NPC) has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his concern for the Nagas, and government of India’s interlocutor RN Ravi for coordinating the peace dialogue. It also ‘thanked the NSCN (IM), led by Th Muivah, for its sacrifices and reasonable decisions taken for the welfare and the interest of the people in the recent talk.’

Through a press release issued on Friday, the NPC also urged “both the negotiating teams and the various stakeholders to be involved in the upcoming talks, to continue to work on the aspirations and desires of the masses dreams to live in peace and pray that the almighty god to grant them wisdom as they work for the final peace settlement (sic).”

“The NPC believes that it is only through peace, progress and development take place,” it added.