Three Naga groups condemn Chümoukedima IED blast, urge impartial investigation and warn against attempts to derail the peace process
DIMAPUR — Three Naga political groups have condemned the July 13 suspected improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Khopanala at Shokhuvi in Chümoukedima district, which killed an Assam Rifles soldier and injured four others, describing the attack as a threat to peace and urging a thorough investigation to bring those responsible to justice.
In separate statements issued on Tuesday, the NSCN (IM), GPRN/NSCN (Unification) and NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe) denounced the attack, cautioning that such acts of violence could undermine the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process and destabilise the region.
The NSCN (IM) termed the incident a "cowardly terrorist act", stating that indiscriminate violence serves only to spread fear, create chaos and undermine the peaceful atmosphere that people have worked hard to preserve. The group reiterated that it remains committed to the Indo-Naga Ceasefire Agreement and would continue to honour both the letter and spirit of the ceasefire ground rules.
Referring to its commitment under the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines, the NSCN/GPRN asserted that it rejects the use of activated explosive devices and anti-personnel mines, describing them as contrary to humanitarian principles and a danger to innocent lives.
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The organisation also stated that it would make every effort to ascertain the truth behind the incident and identify those responsible, urging the public to remain calm, avoid speculation and cooperate with efforts to establish the facts.
Meanwhile, the GPRN/NSCN (Unification), led by Gen. (Retd.) MB Neokpao Konyak and Alezo Venuh, described the blast as a serious incident that threatens the prevailing atmosphere of peace, mutual confidence and constructive political engagement.
While stating that the identity and motive of the perpetrators remain matters for investigation, it suggested that the attack appeared intended to provoke instability, generate mistrust and impede the momentum of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue.
The organisation called for a comprehensive, impartial and time-bound investigation to identify those responsible and assured its full cooperation with law enforcement agencies.
It also wished the injured Assam Rifles personnel a speedy recovery and appealed to all sections of society to reject violence and safeguard the opportunity for a just and lasting political settlement.
The NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe) also condemned the attack, calling it a "cowardly and reprehensible act of violence" that was completely uncalled for at a time when the Government of India and various Naga political groups are engaged in political negotiations.
The organisation stated that such incidents instil fear, erode public confidence and jeopardise the hard-earned peace maintained over the years.
It urged those responsible to come forward and claim responsibility instead of allowing speculation or circumstances that could undermine existing ceasefire agreements between Naga political groups and the government of India.
Reaffirming its commitment to political dialogue and the existing ceasefire arrangements, the group maintained that it remains committed to supporting efforts towards a peaceful, just and lasting resolution of the Indo-Naga political issue.