By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS
Dimapur : The restive northeastern state of Nagaland, plagued by decades of violent insurgency and fratricidal war, is on the threshold of a new dawn of hope and peace with two warring rebel armies inching towards unification.
The two National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) groups, one led by guerrilla leaders Isak Chishi Swu and Thuingaleng Muivah (NSCN-IM), and the other headed by S.S. Khaplang (NSCN-K), have been engaged in a bitter war for territorial supremacy in Nagaland since it split in 1988.
The fratricidal clashes between the two factions have left an estimated 500 cadres dead in the last few years.
Both the NSCN groups are operating a ceasefire with the central government – the NSCN-IM is currently holding talks with the government after entering into a truce in 1997.
The Khaplang faction of the NSCN is yet to begin formal peace talks although it entered into a ceasefire in 2001.
“There are talks going on at the highest level of the two groups for unification. Everybody wants unity among the Nagas and an end to bloodshed… unification is very essential and is likely to take place soon,” A.Z. Jami, convenor of the council of ministers of the NSCN-K, told IANS by telephone.
Similar views were expressed by the NSCN-IM. “In the name of Naga unification, we shall always stand tall with all honesty and commitment. NSCN is exhilarated when all the Naga tribes stand for Naga unification and reconciliation,” the NSCN-IM said in a statement.
“This is encouraging and must be translated into something concrete.”
Several attempts made by different church groups in Nagaland have failed to unite the two rival factions in the past.
But with renewed efforts made by leaders of the two rival groups, there is a glimmer of hope dawning in Nagaland.
“We welcome any steps for unification and we hope the New Year brings in a new era of peace and hope,” said A. Ao, a church leader.