Kohima, August 19: Various Naga organizations have reaffirmed commitment towards unification and integration of all Nagas and demanded restoration of the June 14 Bangkok agreement on territorial expansion of the ceasefire, but reposed faith in the ongoing talks to settle the Naga political issue.

Representatives from different tribal hohos (councils), Naga frontal organizations and church bodies from Nagaland, Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh gathered here yesterday in an emergency meeting to exchange ideas on the issues concerning the Nagas in the North East.

The president of the Naga Hoho, the apex body of the different Naga organizations, M Vero, said that the meeting discussed the future agenda in the light of the changed political scenario following the withdrawal of the Centre-NSCN (IM) ceasefire extension.

The ceasefire was extended to all Naga-inhabited areas as per the June 14 Bangkok agreement between the two aides, but it was greeted with violent protests in the Imphal valley leading to exodus of Nagas from there to the hills.

This was followed by the withdrawal of the extension on July 27.The meeting also resolved to form a co-ordination committee under the aegis of the Naga Hoho to co-ordinate future programmes and policies on issues arising out of the ceasefire fallout including the peace process and resettlement of the displaced Nagas in the Imphal valley.

The meeting also promised to bring out a white paper on the Naga unification as per the Naga Hoho resolution adopted at Dimapur in 1999 and as demanded by the Naga People's Convention at Senapati.

The committee will also work out plans to bring about reconciliation among warring Naga underground groups and devise strategy for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act.

While appreciating the restraint shown by Nagas after the withdrawal of the ceasefire extension, the meeting appealed to all not to be provoked into violence.

It also resolved that the "journey of conscience," initiated by Naga NGOs last year, should be continued to the neighboring communities and to other States, a special committee would be formed to look into problems being faced by Nagas in Manipur.

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