DIMAPUR, MAY 10: Hundreds of women under the banner of Naga Mothers’ Hoho Dimapur (NMHD) staged a ‘Torch rally for Peace’ Saturday evening at Diphupar ‘A’ gate, to protest the recent factional clashes in civilian populated areas of Dimapur.
Participants of the rally, which also included some students and menfolk, shouted slogans like “We want peace” and “Shed no more blood.”
Addressing the peace rally, NMHD president Hukheli Wotsa said the rally was organised to create peace zone as mothers could no longer stand the factional clashes taking place everywhere in Dimapur.
Calling attention to the deteriorating law and order situation in Dimapur, Hukheli said Nagas have had enough of fratricidal killings. She also said the women would henceforth protest killings with one voice and continue with such rallies till peace and normalcy returns.President, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Solomon L Awomi who also addressed the rally on behalf of the students’ community, said in the present situation, it was “not the time to think but to come out, knowing one’s responsibility.”
Stating that the public had enough of factional killings, Awomi said the factions should fight with the Government of India and not among themselves. “With the factional feuds we are not going to get independence,” he added.
The DNSU president also said that if the Naga national workers were really fighting for the Nagas, then they should stand for truth and not indulge in extortion, kidnappings and killings.
He further stated that the factional clashes were solely for purpose of extortion and not for the Naga cause.
Lamenting the present state of affairs where those who speak for the welfare of society were targeted, Awomi also said it was not the time to depend on NGOs, civil societies or students’ organizations, but every citizen should shoulder the responsibility to restore peace and harmony in the society.
Several public leaders including, GD&DB Forum president, Diphupar Naga Students’ Union, Diphupar ‘A’ Village Council chairman and others who also addressed the rally, asked the factions to shun violence.
After the public meeting, the rallyists took out a silent procession with bamboo torch in their hands and marched till 4th Mile junction before dispersing.(NPN)