Naga bodies call for extension of Centre-NSCN(IM) truce

KOHIMA, July 16: Prominent organisations in Nagaland have urged both Centre and NSCN(IM) to extend the ongoing ceasefire, which expires on July 31, further while calling for steps to expedite the political talks to hammer out a solution to the problem, reports PTI. The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC), in a statement, appealed to the Centre and NSCN(IM) to extend the present tenure of ceasefire and called for maintenance of terms and conditions of truce by both sides. regarding the announcement by NSCN(K) that it wanted to have a formal ceasefire with the Union government, NBCC urged to implement ceasefire between the two at the earliest. The Naga Council and Gaonburhas' Union of Dimapur also appealed to the Centre and underground outfits to extend the ceasefire to bring about a permanent solution to the problem. NBCC, the apex church organisation, also said that undergrounds and security forces should help create a conducive atmosphere by immediately halting "unwarranted raid of houses, harassment of innocent people, fratricide and extortion". Both NBCC and Gaonburhas' Council also appealed to all underground groups to immediately stop factional fighting for larger interest of peace in the state. The call for ceasefire extension by the two prominent Nagaland organisations assumes significance in the wake of recent resolution passed by Nagaland Cabinet calling for extension of present ceasefire between Centre and NSCN(IM) for another six months.