Jotsoma (Kohima), May 16: In what could come as a surprise to states like Manipur, the Naga Hoho today struck a chord on accommodation and love for neighbours.
Speaking at a function of the Naga National Council (Panger) here today, a senior Hoho leader Krurovi Peseyie said reconciliation is the key for settling the Naga political issue. ?We should be accommodative towards the interests of neighbouring states,? he said, without naming the states. Peseyie said love, combined with a sincere approach, can resolve any problem.
The demand for the integration of all the Naga-inhabited areas under one administrative umbrella by the NSCN (I-M) has evoked sharp reactions in neighbouring Manipur, Assam and Arunachal Pradesh which have a sizeable Naga population.
The NSCN (I-M) has been asking for the inclusion of four hill districts of Manipur, besides the twin districts of Tirap and Changlang of Arunachal Pradesh and Naga-dominated areas of the North Cachar Hills and Karbi Anglong in Assam in its Greater Nagalim.
The Hoho leader maintained that the problem should be sorted out through discussions with an accommodative spirit.
Stating that it was the right time to sort out the Naga imbroglio, he pointed out that the Centre was now more accommodative than ever before, the state government more open and the Naga militants now more forthcoming.
The Panger faction of the NNC, gathered today to observe the 53rd anniversary of the plebiscite conducted by the Naga National Council in 1951, also held a session to discuss ?unity and peace.?
Both NNC factions observe May 16 as Plebiscite Day when the 99 per cent of the Naga people, they say, had voted for self-determination under the leadership of A.Z. Phizo.
President of the breakaway faction of the NNC, I. Panger Walling, however, in his address was not in a mood to give any ?concession? to the Centre. He warned that condemnation awaits anyone whether individual or organisation, who compromises or sells out the sovereign rights of the Nagas. The NNC is yet to respond to the Centre?s peace offer, maintaining that it would not accept anything short of ?complete sovereignty?.
Speaking on the occasion, political leader Niketu Iralu while criticising Phizo for not condemning the Shillong Accord, said, ?We are heading towards a disaster,? and stressed the need for unity among all the warring militant groups in the state.