Feb. 17: The Naga National Council (NNC) today called off its reconciliation meeting, scheduled to be held in Wokha tomorrow, and accused both the Neiphiu Rio government and the NSCN (I-M) of sabotaging its peace efforts.
A day before the NNC was to hold the reconciliation meeting in Wokha, the state government imposed Section 144 CrPC in the town. An irate V. Nagi, general secretary of the NNC, came down heavily on the state government and the Isak-Muivah faction of the NSCN, adding that his outfit?s role in reconciliation was now over. ?We may take up arms now,? he warned.
The NNC also alleged that the NSCN (I-M) had abducted two of its members. Another is missing since last night.
Khoshako, the general secretary of the outfit?s Lotha region, Ntsemo and former Federal Government of Nagaland army?s ?major general? were allegedly abducted from their homes by NSCN (I-M) militants last night. The hostages are all septuagenarians.
The NNC leaders claimed that the NSCN (I-M) has admitted to the abduction, having told the NNC that they would be released in due course. ?We have come to know that steering committee member of the NSCN (I-M), A.Z. Jami, had issued the directives,? alleged Nagi. The NSCN (I-M), however, was silent on the issue.
Reading out NNC president I. Panger Walling?s message, Nagi said the outfit was disappointed and would now be forced to take up arms. ?The NSCN (I-M) does not want peace or unity between the Nagas,? he said. ?It is afraid that all the people are backing the NNC,? he added. Asked about its relationship with the Khaplang faction, the NNC leader said the group was in favour of reconciliation.
The latest development has practically killed hopes of a reconciliation between various groups. Police said Section 144 would be in force till February 26. But ?there is no law and order problem,? said Wokha superintendent of police W. Krome.
The Panger faction of the NNC, opposed to Adino Phizo?s leadership, has been talking of being a bridge between different Naga militant groups.
However, last week the NSCN (I-M) caustically lambasted the outfit?s hierarchy, rejecting its role in reconciliation.