Reviving abrogated ceasefire agreement right decision says NPF

Dimapur, Jan. 26 (EMN): The Naga People's Front (NPF) has welcomed the decision of NSCN (K), led by Niki Sumi, to restore the ceasefire agreement with the government of India.

According to a statement issued on Tuesday, NPF stated it was the "right decision" at a time when the peace talks between the government of India and the Naga negotiating groups is expected to reach a conclusion.

"It has always been our desire that all Naga political groups should come together and join the dialogue for one solution and one agreement. We have put in all effort to bring every Naga nationalist group on board so that no one is left out when the final moment arrives. After the abrogation of the Ceasefire Agreement in 2015 by the NSCN-K, the then Chief Minister, TR Zeliang during DAN-III had written to the Collective Leadership of the NSCN-K requesting the latter to come back and resume Ceasefire with the Government of India.

"In 2016, the DAN-III government sent a 6-member team comprising of Naga Hoho and ENPO to meet SS Khaplang, Chairman of the NSCN-K after obtaining requisite clearance from the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India. The joint team of Naga Hoho and ENPO undertook assignment to Myanmar from January 24, 2016 till February 2, 2016. While in Myanmar, the joint team called on the five Naga MPs of Myanmar on January 26 2016; Myanmar Union Minister, U Aungmin on January 27, 2016; and Emissary of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group, NSCN-K at Mandalay, Kyaw Win Swe on January 31, 2016. Furthermore, a formal letter signed by 8 representatives and addressed to SS Khaplang, Chairman of the NSCN (K) was submitted to the Emissary, Kyaw Win Swe appealing for review and resumption of Ceasefire with the Government of India. The Joint Team also met Vipin Sharma, the Consul at the Consulate General of India, Myanmar and highlighted before him the prevailing state of affairs,' it read.

It said that this was initiated with the "true spirit of inclusiveness to include all the Naga groups in the peace process".

NPF further hoped that Government of India not "miss this opportunity" and expedite the long protracted Naga political issue.