Naga rally calls for understanding among factions

As part of their re-conciliation campaign in Naga-inhabited areas, the Forum for Naga Re-conciliation (FNR) as well as joint working groups (JWG) of three underground Naga factions today called for fostering understanding in the Naga society at a rally here.

Hundreds of people, representing both Naga and non-Naga groups in and around this commercial town, took part in the joint rally supported by the Naga Council, Dimapur and other tribal Hohos (apex tribal bodies) and civil groups at the DDSC stadium here.

The rally was part of the ongoing 'a journey, common hope' campaign, which was initiated by the FNR, a body comprising churches and NGOs winding through most of the districts of Nagaland and Ukhrul and Senapati districts of Manipur.

All shops and business establishments in the town remained closed during the rally as ordered by the district administration to enable the people to participate.

The FNR, after holding series of meetings with the underground groups successfully convinced three groups - two factions of NSCN and NNC/FGN, not to bicker among themselves and to sign the 'Covenant of Re-conciliation' last year.

Since the re-conciliation initiative, the killings among underground groups drastically came down in Nagaland but kidnapping of businessmen for ransom and rampant extortions were still on, particularly in state capital Kohima and Dimapur town.