The United Naga Council (UNC) has called upon all neighbouring communities residing in the state to join the Nagas in strengthening the peace process for its logical conclusion.
UNC president S Kho John said that the people of the state have suffered together for so long.
He said this while speaking at ‘Lui-Ngai-Ni’ celebration in Ukhrul district of Manipur on Saturday.
The people belonging to Naga community in Manipur have been celebrating the Lui-Ngai-Ni for over three decades.
However, this was the first time that non-Nagas community leaders came together in a large number to participate in the festival.
“I on behalf of the Naga people, appeal to you all that we should no more be victims of the past that as a result of the Naga movement particularly before the Indo-Naga Cease Fire Agreement in 1997,” Indian Express quoted John as saying.
“Our older generation have suffered enough. The sufferings were not limited to the Nagas alone we all suffered together,” said the UNC president.
He said that the Nagas are at the threshold of a new beginning with the impending accord.
Apart from villagers of Ukhrul, Nagas from different parts of the state, MLAs and ministers also attended the festival.