The Working Committee of the Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) has strongly condemned the July 13 improvised explosive device (IED) blast near Khopanala in Chümoukedima district, describing it as an attempt to undermine peace in Nagaland and derail the ongoing Indo-Naga peace process.
In a statement issued by its Media Cell, the WC, NNPGs said the attack was an “unforgivable provocation” against the people of Nagaland and alleged that those behind the blast did not want the Nagas to experience lasting peace.
The committee said any group committed to achieving its objectives through violence should take responsibility for its actions rather than shun political dialogue and negotiations.
Expressing concern over the incident, WC, NNPGs Convener N. Kitovi Zhimomi and the co-conveners said the IED detonation reflected the presence of “vicious, destructive minds” seeking to challenge both the people of Nagaland and the Government of India.
The committee maintained that all Naga political groups under the ceasefire framework have been adhering to the ceasefire ground rules “in letter and spirit” and claimed that the Indo-Naga peace process was nearing “a just and honourable logical conclusion.”
It further alleged that certain elements were attempting to push Nagaland towards instability similar to the ongoing ethnic conflict in neighbouring Manipur, warning that such efforts would be a “blot on Naga history.”
The WC, NNPGs also highlighted its commitment to humanitarian principles, recalling that the GPRN/NSCN, under the leadership of N Kitovi Zhimomi, signed the Geneva Call’s three Deeds of Commitment in Geneva on July 10, 2014. These include commitments to protect children in armed conflict, ban anti-personnel mines, and prohibit sexual violence and gender discrimination.
It said other WC, NNPGs affiliates also abide by these principles.
The committee asserted that political negotiations with the Government of India had been successfully concluded and that the framework for an honourable and acceptable political solution had been clearly laid out. It added that, unless the Government of India reneges on its commitments, the Naga people could coexist with India on the basis of such a settlement.
Warning against further violence, the WC, NNPGs said those attempting to destabilise Nagaland, whether from within or outside the state, would face the “wrath of the people.”
