Morung Express News
July 31
DIMAPUR : Chief Minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio and leader of the Opposition I. Imkong have both welcomed the decision to extend the ceasefire between the Government of India and NSCN (IM), which was arrived at yesterday following two days of talks in the Dutch capital, Amsterdam. Welcoming the extension of the ceasefire Rio said that the decision was in line with the wishes of all sections people and Naga civil society. The State Cabinet had earlier recommended for extension of the current ceasefire which was to expire today. Rio also urged both parties to pursue the peace process with more sense of urgency and greater sincerity. He affirmed that the DAN Government was committed to continue playing the role of facilitator to the peace process.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Nagaland Legislative Assembly, I Imkong talking to The Morung Express said that he was happy with the decision that both sides had reached upon. “I hope something concrete will be arrived at. The peace talks should be expedited”, Imkong said. The Congress leader however expressed disappointment over the ceasefire being extended for only six months and not a year.
NSF President V. Pushika Awomi giving his reaction said that the students’ body would stick to its earlier resolutions it had taken with regard to the current peace talks and asked the Government of India to be sincere in its efforts. The NSF reiterated on its demand for the integration of all contiguous Naga-inhabited areas.
Former General Secretary of the Naga Hoho Dr John Lotha while welcoming the latest ceasefire extension however viewed that ceasefire extensions was questionable if New Delhi was not sincere in its endeavor of finding a mutually agreeable solution.
Expressing his views on the extension of the ceasefire, a senior Defense personnel speaking on condition of anonymity said that negotiations under a peaceful environment remained to be the only workable solution. “Both parties should strive and make this six months of ceasefire creative and seek some permanent solution to the age old problem”, he said. The army man further remarked that the extended period of six months would allow security forces to consolidate their civic programs.
As reported earlier, the Joint Statement issued after yesterday’s talks reaffirmed extesion of ceasefire ‘to intensify the peace process in order to arrive at mutually acceptable solution as early as possible’. The full text joint statement further stated that ‘as the NSCN intends to hold extensive consultations with the people, the ceasefire is formally extended for a period of six months where after it will be extended further’. The NSCN delegation comprised of its Chairman Isak Chishi Swu, General Secretary Thuingaleng Muivah, a top leader Angelus Shimrah and Ninghor Raikham, secretary, NSCN-IM.
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