NSCN factions agree to 6-month truce

The gaon buras (village headmen) and dubashis (administrators of customary tribal laws) have accomplished what the church and other peace initiatives failed to do — a much-needed ceasefire between the warring factions of the NSCN as well as the parent body, the Naga National Council (NNC). In a joint meeting held in Kohima on Friday, representatives of the NSCN (I-M), NSCN (K) and the NNC inked a cessation of hostilities agreement for six months, starting Monday.

The three militant groups accepted the proposal put forward by the Joint Forum of Nagaland Gaon Buras Federation and Nagaland Dubashis Association, which stresses that besides the declaration of ceasefire for six months, the factions also agreed to appreciate the initiative taken by the two associations for stopping the killing amongst Nagas and to render support for further efforts to bring real reconciliation. Friday’s peace accord is being seen as the “official” one inked with authorisation from the top brass of both the factions. In November, several leaders from the two factions belonging to the Sumi tribe met and decided to declare peace among themselves, but the NSCN (I-M)’s collective leadership had refused to recognise this move.