Dimapur, July 14 (MExN): A day after the blast suspected to have been caused by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED), multiple Naga political groups (NPGs) have issued condemnations, calling it a “calculated” attempt to derail the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue.
The explosion, which occurred around 2:30 pm on July 13, left one Assam Rifles soldier fatally wounded and four others injured. The incident took place at a spot a few hundred metres from the Khovanalla iron bridge, on the road leading to the Assam Rifles Training Centre in Shoxuvi.
NSCN(IM): The NSCN (IM) “unequivocally condemned the cowardly terrorist act,” stating that “such indiscriminate acts of violence serve no legitimate purpose other than to spread fear, create chaos, and undermine the peaceful atmosphere.”
It noted that the use of activated explosive devices and anti-personnel mines is “contrary to humanitarian principles and places innocent lives at unacceptable risk.” As a signatory to the Geneva Call Deed of Commitment banning anti-personnel mines, the NSCN (IM) reiterated its commitment to upholding its obligations.
“This reprehensible act is an attack not only on the immediate victims but also on the fragile peace and stability of the region,” it stated, adding that such actions are “designed to sow mistrust, fuel instability, and derail efforts towards peace.”
The NSCN (IM) stated it would make “every effort, through all available and appropriate means, to ascertain the truth behind this incident and identify those responsible.”
NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe): The NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe) termed the attack “cowardly and reprehensible,” noting it came precisely when the Government of India and multiple Naga political groups are engaged in talks on the Naga political issue. It said such incidents can only “instill fear among the people, undermine public confidence, and jeopardize the hard-earned peace and stability that has been painstakingly maintained over the years.”
It called on those responsible to come forward and openly claim responsibility for their actions rather than allowing speculation, misinformation or circumstances that could undermine the existing ceasefire agreements between the Naga National political Groups and the Government of India.
Any attempt to sabotage or derail the ongoing peace process is against the collective aspirations of the people and honorable solution, it added.
The NSCN-K (Khango-Vusshe) reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to preserving peace and upholding the principles of the existing ceasefire arrangements in both letter and spirit. “We remain steadfast in supporting every sincere effort aimed at ensuring a peaceful, just and lasting solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.”
GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo): The GPRN/NSCN (Neokpao-Alezo) expressed its “profound concern and unequivocal condemnation” of the incident. It maintained that “violence of this nature, irrespective of its origin or motive, is inimical to the collective aspiration of the Naga people and serves only to undermine the prevailing peaceful atmosphere, mutual confidence and constructive political engagement.”
“The organisation is of the considered view that such an act appears calculated to provoke instability, generate mistrust and impede the momentum of the ongoing Indo-Naga political dialogue,” it stated. “Whether orchestrated by forces external to Nagaland... or by elements opposed to an honourable and inclusive political settlement, any attempt to derail the peace process is both reprehensible and unacceptable.”
The group, led by President Gen (retd) MB Neokpao Konyak and Ato Kilonser Alezo Venuh, termed the act “cowardly and inhumane” and particularly deplorable as it occurred “at a critical stage when the Naga people await the formal conclusion of the political agreement.”
It called upon law-enforcement authorities to undertake a “comprehensive, impartial and time-bound investigation” and reiterated its readiness to extend cooperation. The group also extended “sincere wishes for speedy and complete recovery” to the injured personnel.
