Kohima, March 10 2009: Governor of Nagaland, K.Sankaranarayan has appealed to the Naga underground groups to listen to the voice of the people to stop fratricidal killings and bloodshed and to resolve their differences and move towards reconciliation and unity.

In his 38 minute speech delivered in the floor of the third session of the Eleventh Nagaland Legislative Assembly today, the Governor said that the State Government is firm in its commitment to facilitate a negotiated settlement of the Naga political problem.

He also asserted that the DAN Government in the State would continue to act as an active facilitator in the ongoing peace process between the Government of India and the Naga groups, so that a lasting and durable settlement acceptable to the Naga people may be achieved.

Reaffirming the Government's stand to pave the way for an alternative arrangement that may be necessary in the event of such a permanent settlement, he expressed gratitude to the NGOs, the civil societies and the Churches for their sincere efforts and contributions towards the cause of reconciliation and unity amongst the Naga family.

Maintaining that there has been considerable improvement in the law and order situation of the State during the last one year of his Government, he said incidents of inter-factional clashes amongst the underground groups have significantly reduced.

The Governor also focused dwelling on the developmental activities carried out by the Democratic Alliance of Nagaland, DAN Government on the basis of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) of the alliance political parties.

Further, he maintained that the State's contribution to the campaign against global warming is significant as Nagaland is maintaining the existing forest cover at 82.75 per cent of the geographical area.

He also appealed the people of the State to participate in observing an 'Earth hour 2009' by switching off all the lights between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm on March 28 as a symbolic gesture to show solidarity with global campaign for 'Vote Earth'.