Kohima: Nagaland Chief minister TR Zeliang and the lone member of parliament from the state Neiphiu Rio has welcomed the signing of the peace accord between the government of India and NSCN(IM).
Zeliang said in a statement that he was informed by the Prime Minister about the signing of the peace accord with NSCN (IM).
While details of the accord are still awaited, the CM expressed confidence that "both the parties have taken into account the aspirations of the Nagas as expressed by Naga civil societies during their interactions with the interlocutor, R.N. Ravi.
Our people have been struggling for more than six decades for a settlement to the Naga issue and the signing of the peace accord is a welcome step towards such a settlement," he said.
The chief minister also said that this positive development will pave the way for a permanent solution acceptable to the Nagas.
Rio said "a historic peace accord was signed between the government of India and NSCN-IM on Monday in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi".
Rio said that after the signing of the accord the Prime Minister spoke to him and appealed for cooperation in the peace process. "I assured him of my fullest assistance and cooperation in our common endeavor to achieve permanent peace," he said.
"It is indeed a landmark occasion for the country, especially the Naga people who have struggled for more than six decades in our search for permanent peace," he said.
The efforts and sacrifices of all the national workers especially Isak Chishi Swu and Th Muivah need to be appreciated by one and all, he said adding that every Naga family has made sacrifices "in our journey towards peace and the attainment of permanent peace will be the true achievement of Naga people."
