Kohima, October 11 (MExN): The Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Union Kohima (ENPUK) has appealed to all concerned to exercise restraint and refrain from retaliation following the killing of one person and the burning of several houses in Kiphire on October 10.
Condemning the incident, ENPUK said the violence undermined the long-standing aspiration for peace and unity in Eastern Nagaland. “Such act of violence has no place in a civilized society and directly undermines the long-cherished aspiration for peace and unity in Eastern Nagaland,” it stated.
The union recalled the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) declaration of Eastern Nagaland as a Peace Zone on December 18, 2019, under which a pledge was made against bloodshed, arson, threats and intimidation.
“All differences must be resolved through dialogue and customary law,” ENPUK stated, adding that disputes and misunderstandings among the people of Eastern Nagaland should be resolved peacefully within the concerned groups.
Appealing to individuals, groups and village communities to honour the ENPO resolution, ENPUK urged all concerned to “exercise maximum restraint, maintain peace and not resort to retaliation in any form to avoid further escalation.” It cautioned that further violence would derail the collective pursuit of justice and development through the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA).
While condemning the incident, the union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured and the well-being of all displaced families.
