NPMHR urges PM to extend Naga truce

NEW DELHI, July 29: The Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) on Friday appealed to Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee to extend the ceasefire agreement with the National Socialist Council of Nagaland (IM) and continue the political dialogue towards finding lasting peace in the state after securing the release of NSCN general secretary T Muivah, reports UNI. "The leadership of Muivah is very essential for continuation of ceasefire and peace talks since he has overwhelming support and credibility" among the Naga people, the NPMHR said in a memorandum to the Prime Minister. It said the release of Muivah would create an atmosphere of confidence about the Government's seriousness towards finding a lasting solution to the vexed problems. A breakdown of ceasefire agreement at this juncture would worsen the situation, it said. "The present scene is threatening to destroy the hard-earned hope for peace." Discontinuity of the dialogue may reignite violence and prove detrimental to the well-being of the people of Nagaland. The memorandum cited the Centre's failure to officially recognise Muivah as the general secretary of the NSCN, issuance of non-bailable warrants against him and closing of the ceasefire monitoring warrants against him and closing of the ceasefire monitoring office in Kohima as reasons for the deteriorating situation. The NPMHR had earlier in the day staged a sit-in at Jantar Mantar.