Nagaland apex bodies resolve to meet NSCN(K) leadership

Nagaland's apex tribal bodies on Thursday resolved to meet the leadership of outlawed NSCN(K) and appeal for reviewing the unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire with the Centre in the interest of peace in the state.

"Discussions are in progress regarding the visit of a delegation comprising of Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation (ENPO) and Naga Hoho to meet the NSCN (K) leadership," said a joint press statement by the two bodies on Thursday.

ENPO President Khoiwang Konyak and Naga Hoho president Chuba Ozukum said they had informed that necessary details of the schedule of the timing, location and movement for the team will be shortly finalized.

The statement said the two apex bodies have jointly resolved and agreed to meet NSCN(K) leadership for 'subjectively appealing' and requesting the outfit for reviewing and renewing the unilateral abrogation of the ceasefire with the Center in the interest of peace.

They stated that this decision was taken in response to the state government's request and in the mutual compliance to the sentiments and wishes of the Naga people in general and all well wishers.

India had on August 18 asked Myanmar to handover four top leaders of Naga outfit NSCN-K, including its chief S S Khaplang, holding them responsible for killing of 18 army soldiers in Manipur on June 4. Besides Khaplang, India sought the custody of Niki Sumi, Kirichu and Asang, who were believed to have planned and supervised the attack in Manipur's Chandel district.