Zunheboto uproar Hoho intervenes to settle matter
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 02 2014: Taking serious note of the recent confrontation between NSCN-IM and Sumi people of Nagaland in which seven persons lost their lives, the Naga Hoho, apex body of the Naga people, has initiated certain steps to bring a settlement.

Sumi people of Nagaland revolted against NSCN-IM in protest against the reported molestation and rape attempt by some cadres of the outfit on two women.

They set afire one NSCN-IM designated camp located at Mukalimi, Zunheboto district.

Taking serious note of the confrontation which may derail the ongoing Naga peace process, the Naga Hoho stepped in to bring a solution at the level of civil society organisations.

Talking to The Sangai Express, UNC president L Adani remarked that it was a very unfortunate incident.

Nevertheless, with all the accused already punished following a decision of the party's leadership, the two sides are now on a path of reconciliation.

People in different parts of Nagaland have been already protesting against collection of tax and the Zunheboto incident only fanned the people's wrath.

On being enquired whether the people's uproar would have any effect on the ongoing Naga peace process, Adani maintained that the peace process cannot be terminated mid-way.

"I don't think that the Zunheboto incident would linger or spread to other places", he said.

Both the Government of India and Naga people are serious enough as far as the peace process is concerned but this does not mean there were no aberrations.

But one or two stray incidents cannot derail the process, he said.

The Zunheboto uproar was driven by emotion and one cannot prevent people from voicing their grievances or dissent.

People of Zunheboto, being emotionally charged, might have adopted some harsh decisions but there is a general convention in such matters and the people would fall in line.

The Naga Hoho has already stepped in to bring about reconciliation and settlement.

Such incidents happened in Manipur too, Adani added.

Comment