Naga Hoho sounds unity bugle

Dimapur, Sep. 5 (EMN): The newly installed Naga Hoho leadership—facing flak from most tribe bodies based in Nagaland—has called for unity across all sections of Naga society. In a press release issued on Thursday, the organisation stated that the Naga struggle for political settlement has come a long way at the cost of blood and tears. “In the process, we have experienced division amongst the Naga people and adverse consequences in all levels. The worst bloodbath in the history of the Nagas had taken place in our own land due to differences and disunity vis-à-vis fratricidal killings. “In this backdrop, the Naga people having realised the negative effects of disunity, came together and called for peace, unity and reconciliation among the Naga people. Since then, the Naga Hoho has been working for the unity and solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political problem since its inception. In line with the past leaders of Naga Hoho, we always harp on the unity and fraternity among the Nagas without borders,” read the statement. According to the Naga Hoho, it was not against the formation of any new organisation, association, union as long as they work for the welfare and common interest of the Naga people. “Alongside all other Naga civil societies, the Naga Hoho has been closely working for the peace process since the signing of the ceasefire agreement in 1997. We have come a long way with many ups and down from within and without for the last 22 years. The signing of the August 3, 2015 framework agreement has given a ray of hope for bringing logical conclusion to the Indo-Naga political talks. Now, the peace process is at its crucial stage. And is developing at a very fast pace, while the final solution is awaited by the Naga people and therefore Nagas cannot afford to miss another bus,” it stated. The Naga Hoho expressed belief that those Naga groups engaged in negotiation with government of India would not fail the people “and therefore, the Naga people must stand together and strengthen the hands of the negotiators.” “In order to realise our dreams and hopes, it is our bounden duty to let go our personnel interests, pride and ego and march together in unison and forge a strong united voice. In this defining moment for the Naga people, it is a clarion call to all the political groups, civil societies, church leaders, all sections of the society, young and old to keep aside all differences and unite so that our posterity will not blame the present generation,” it stated.