UKHRUL: The Working Committee, Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) on Thursday stated that the IED blast near Khopanala, Chumoukedima district in Nagaland on July 13 was an “unforgivable provocation” committed against the people of Nagaland. A suspected improvised explosive device (IED) exploded near Khopanala, Shukhovi in Chümoukedima district on July 13, reportedly targeting an Assam Rifles vehicle, leaving one personnel dead and four others injured. The WC, NNPGs termed the attack a challenge to Naga resolve.
Condemning the incident, the WC, NNPGs stated that its convener N. Kitovi Zhimomi and all co-conveners were utterly ‘appalled” by the IED detonation. It termed the attack
It alleged that the perpetrators do not want Naga people to experience real peace and said that they want the Naga people to descend into chaos similar to the ongoing tribal conflict in Manipur.
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“It is a clear indication that there are vicious, destructive minds challenging both the Naga people and the Government of India (GoI). The Ceasefire ground rules are followed in letter and spirit by all signatory Naga political groups and as the Indo-Naga peace process inches towards a just and honorable logical conclusion, there are elements tasting the patience of the people of Nagaland. They want the Naga people to descend into chaos similar to the ongoing tribal conflict in Manipur. That would be a blot on Naga history,” WC, NNPGs said in a statement.
It also stated that theGPRN/NSCN under the leadership of N. Kitovi Zhimomi signed the Geneva Call’s three deeds of Commitment – protecting children in armed conflict, banning anti-personnel mines and prohibiting sexual violence and gender discrimination – at Geneva, Switzerland on July 10, 2014.
Stating that other WC, NNPG affiliates too, in principle, are bonafide abiding partners of Geneva Call and the three deeds of agreement, the WC, NNPGs asserted that unless the GoI betrays the Naga people, the political negotiations have successfully concluded.
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“Everything has been put out in black and white, there is no confusion. Today the Naga people, with pride and head held high, can agree to co-exist with India on the basis of an honorable and acceptable political solution. Those initiating violence, either from outside or within Nagaland, will face the wrath of the people,” the statement added.
It further stated, “A group or entity, committed to the philosophy of killing Indian security forces and Nagas as the only means towards achieving their goal, foregoing political dialogue and negotiations, must have the courage to own responsibility for the act of violence”.
