NBCC flays NSCN doctrine

DIMAPUR, MAY 17 (NPN): In the wake of unabated factional clashes and killings in the state despite repeated appeals by the public and various organizations for cessation of violence, the Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) has ascribed the evils of factional killings to the “doctrine of bloodshed” espoused by the NSCN “NSCN cannot renounce the doctrine of bloodshed since ‘power through the barrel of gun’ is enshrined in their manifesto,” said a press statement issued by director, peace affairs, NBCC, Rev. L Kari Longchar. The Council urged the NSCN to amend their political philosophy and transform their mindset to “confront to truth, peace, justice, pro-life, and seek people’s welfare.”
NBCC said it had earlier welcomed the ceasefire agreement among all Naga groups signed on December 7, 2007, under the aegis of the Joint Forum of GBs & DBs, and had high expectations that the “significant pact” would bear fruits through honest conversation, admittance of one’s own mistakes, forgiveness, healing, understanding, reconciliation and unity.
“However, to our disgust, NSCN-IM had killed three NSCN-K cadres on January 14, 08 at Longmisa in clear violation of the agreement,” NBCC said and added since then, armed confrontation and loss of lives continue to mount among rival groups, culminating in the killing of 14 NSCN (K) cadres and one civilian on Friday in Dimapur.Meanwhile, the Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU) and All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) have in separate press statements, expressed grave concern over the prevailing situation in the state, in particular Dimapur.
Calling for an end to stop gun culture to bring back peace in the society, DNSU vice president Medovoi Medeo and education secretary Y Ahoi Yepthomi appealed the factions to respect the sanctity of educational institutions and to see that students were not endangered due to factional clashes near institutions.
Condemning the killings, ANCSU president O Wati Jamir and Chichamo Kikon (tribunal) appealed the national workers to restrain from further bloodshed and create an atmosphere for reconciliation. The union also informed principals and students of both secular and theological colleges within Nagaland to extend fullest cooperation to the proposed peace rally scheduled on May 20.
Principal, Women Industrial Training Institute (WITI), Seithekema ‘C’, Er. Imchen Ao has also, in a press release, appealed the underground factions to respect the sanctity of institutions and refrain from clashes in such areas.
Alluding to the frequent clashes in and around Seithekema, the principal said the trainees and staff of WITI have been gripped by fear psychosis due to clashes in the area.

(Courtesy: Nagaland Post)