Imphal: The Naga People’s Initiative for Peace (NPIP) on Thursday called for immediate dialogue and reconciliation between rival factions following the death of Ringteini Nriame in an alleged shootout between the ZUF (J) and the NSCN (IM) at Sibilong village in Manipur’s Tamenglong/Nungba area.
In an appeal addressed to all Naga civil society organisations, tribal bodies, church leaders and citizens, the NPIP urged the leadership of both factions to undertake deep introspection regarding their ultimate political goals.
The group called for an immediate cessation of hostile actions, asserting that vengeance cannot substitute for justice and that lasting peace requires internal reconciliation alongside official government negotiations.
Expressing concern over the October 27 incident, the peace initiative extended condolences to the bereaved family while stating that the exact circumstances and motives remained unverified.
Reports suggested that the clash might be linked to an earlier retaliatory killing between the two factions.
The NPIP urged the public to avoid speculation until the facts were established through credible and impartial means.
The organisation questioned why groups capable of maintaining ceasefires with the Government of India could not show the same restraint and mutual understanding towards fellow Naga factions.
It said ideological and strategic differences must never justify fratricidal violence, adding that decades of political struggle and factional conflict had claimed generations of young lives and caused irreparable loss to the broader community.