A new dawn of peace emerging in Nagaland

Nagaland is on the threshold of a new dawn of peace. The three warring Naga factions are poised to come together on a single platform to establish peace.

Kohima, Dec 23 : Nagaland is on the threshold of a new dawn of peace. The three warring Naga factions are poised to come together on a single platform to establish peace.

The dominant Naga factions -- National Socialist Council of Nagaland-Issac-Muivah (NSCN-IM), NSCN (Khaplang) and Naga National Council (NNC), signed a peace pact recently.

Representatives of the three Naga factions, who were sworn enemies till recently, were sharing the table and smoking the peace pipe.

The peace pact is significant as it spells an end to the clashes between the cadres of the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) and NNC.

It is expected that the people in the State will be benefited from the latest move and the focus will shift to ensuring the State's development and economic welfare.

The three main Naga factions met at the negotiation table in Kohima, after much persuasion from tribal chiefs and the state government.

The historic meeting took place under the aegis of the Joint Forum of Nagaland Gaonburas (GBs) and Dobashis (DBs). It is expected to end decades of internecine clashes between the Naga groups.

Joint Forum of Nagaland GBs and DBs Convener Taku Longkumer said: "The meeting has resolved to unanimously accept and assure peace among different groups in Nagaland, without discrimination on the basis of tribes or region."

Additional Chief Secretary and Commissioner T N Mannen said: "It's a very positive step. We fervently hope that it will definitely lead to total peace."

More than 500 people have lost lives in the conflicts between the NSCN (IM) and NSCN (K) in the last five years. The State Government is also lending its support to bring all factions together.

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said: "We want unity and that of all the Nagas, not just a section. While welcoming the unity moves, it should be ensured that all factions are brought under one umbrella so that Nagas can focus on a unified entity."

With the unification process on and the peace process between NSCN (IM) and the Central Government inching towards a positive outcome, the time is not far when Nagaland turns into an oasis of peace in the North East. By Vibou Ganguly

ANI