NPIP urges rival groups
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, November 04 2026: The Naga People's Initiative for Peace (NPIP) has expressed deep concern over the reported death of Ringteini Nriame in an alleged shootout involving cadres of the ZUF (J) and the NSCN (IM) on October 27, 2026 at Sibilong village in Tamenglong district.

While the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the sequence of events and responsibility for the killing, require independent verification, NPIP extended its heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and all those affected by this tragic loss.

In a press statement, NPIP said that there are reports suggesting that the incident may be connected to an earlier killing involving members of the two factions.

However, neither the circumstances nor any possible motive for the latest incident has been independently established, it added.

NPIP urged all concerned to refrain from speculation and allow the facts to be ascertained through credible and impartial means.

NPIP called upon the leadership of both the ZUF (J) and the NSCN (IM) to undertake deep and honest introspection why organisations fighting for Naga rights, justice and political aspirations are unable to reconcile their differences with one another, even while they have been able to enter into ceasefire arrangements with the Government of India.

This contradiction, the Organisation said, demands serious reflection on the purpose and ultimate goals of the Naga political struggle.

If dialogue and ceasefire are considered necessary for pursuing a political settlement with the Government of India, why can the same spirit of restraint and mutual understanding not be extended to fellow Naga factions? it questioned.

Differences in political approaches, strategies and ideologies may be real, but they must never become grounds for fratricidal killings, it advised.

Saying that the pursuit of political rights and justice must go hand in hand with respect for human life and the dignity of the very people in whose name the struggle is being carried forward, NPIP said that many young men in the prime of their lives have been lost in this tragic cycle of revenge and fratricidal violence over the years.

"Their deaths bring immeasurable sadness and sorrow to their bereaved families, but the loss extends far beyond individual households.

"It is an irreparable loss to the communities concerned and to the Naga community as a whole, depriving our people of the potential, contributions and future of an entire generation," it added.

Calling for an end to these "senseless" fratricidal killings, NPIP maintained that no differences in political ideology, strategy or factional affiliation should be allowed to perpetuate a cycle of violence that continues to claim the lives of Naga people.

NPIP appealed to both factions to exercise maximum restraint, cease hostile actions against one another and engage in sincere dialogue to resolve their differences peacefully.

One killing cannot justify another, and vengeance can never be a substitute for justice, it said.

Appealing to all Naga civil society organisations, tribal bodies, Church leaders, elders and all peace-loving citizens to facilitate dialogue and reconciliation before further lives are lost, NPIP maintained that the Naga people have endured decades of political struggle, sacrifice and suffering.

Lasting peace requires not only meaningful political negotiations with the Government of India but also reconciliation, mutual respect and unity among the Nagas themselves, it reasoned and added that the blood of one Naga must never be answered with the blood of another Naga.

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