Ao Senden, the apex body representing the Ao Naga community, has issued a strong condemnation of recent actions by the NSCN-K (Khango). The organization has called for the immediate withdrawal of the death penalty issued against K Rulho, Proprietor of M/s. KKB, and the cessation of the NSCN-K’s directive to halt operations by contractors under the AYO’s purview in various districts of Nagaland.
In a statement, Ao Senden expressed deep concern over the recent escalation of conflict amid a period of “deep quiet and peace” in Nagaland. The statement highlighted that the region, which has seen no internecine conflicts, fatally or non-fatally, and has been focused on resolving the protracted Naga issue, is now facing unwarranted unrest.
“We are yet again, awakened by a rude jolting into the world of disquiet and conflict that belie the present calmness. Is it a false calmness and hope for peace? What lies behind if this curtain of present calmness and hope for peace is blown away like a mist?” the statement read.
“It is pertinent that at the present moment no ugly pariah should rear its head high up into the sky and dim the shine of calmness and hope for peace and bring the dark cloud of conflict into our horizon,” the statement continued.
The apex body condemned the death penalty and the directive to cease operations as acts of “uncivilized bruteness and severity.” The Ao Senden urged both the AYO and the NSCN-K (Khango) to give due diligence to the problem at hand and come to an amicable solution without further escalating the situation.
The Ao Senden further appealed to all Naga political groups and all sections of Naga people to adhere to the principles of peace, oneness, empathy, and development as a common goal and not act as “denominators amongst Nagas.”