Ukhrul, October 02 2010: As in other parts of the country the Naga Solidarity Group (NSG) today observed Gandhi Jayanti at the conference hall of Tangkhul Leisak Long (chambers of commerce) Phungreitang here.

The programme was organised by NSG under the theme, "Non-Violence and Solidarity on Indo-Naga peace process" which was participated by Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and scores of business communities from Hindu Samaj (comprising Marwari, Rajthani, Behari and Bengali etc), Nepali Gorkha business community and Meitei Tengbang-Lup from in and around Ukhrul district.

In today's function, the paramount stake holders were targeted for the very first time to create and strengthen the culture of Peace and to foster support in Non-Violence Nation building to develop peaceful relationship amongst varied societies.

Convener of the NSG in his speech stated that the motive behind such programme in consonance with the birthday of the father of nation Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi needed widespread massive and the NSG was committed to work for the same to promote Gandhi's values of non-violence to safeguard the rights of Nagas, to promote unity among Nagas and to further promote peace between Nagas and other communities.

The convener of NPMHR Hungyo Hong stated that Nagas want peace and communal harmony without any hindrance from politics or rather from any underground organisation.

Hungyo also expressed utmost solidarity and saluted the lone peace crusader Irom Chanu Sharmila who he said is an icon of non-violence movement.

He further said that he being born on the same date (Oct 2) of Gandhi's birthday, is proud that though they may look different in appearance but he is all in all with the same ideology of Gandhi.

Maintaining that Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act is an anti-thesis of Gandhi's non-violence, he opined on the need to do away with this 'alien' Act at any cost urging the participants of the occasion to have faith in non-violence method, which he asserted to be the mightiest weapon of all weapons to solve any conflict for mankind.

Earlier the programme began by observing a one minute silence with candle light by all the participants to commemorate all those who had laid down their lives for the cause of non-violence movement and to pay respect to the Father of Nation.

Meanwhile, National Students Union of India (NSUI) is also said to have observed Gandhi Jayanti at Youth Hostel today by organising a painting competition participated by over 100 students from the district.

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