ULFA leaders laud process to unify Naga rebel groups

The pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam has lauded the on-going process for reconciliation of Naga rebel groups during a visit to the camp of NSCN (khole-Kitovi) in Nagaland.

A delegation of the pro-talks faction of the United Liberation Front of Assam led by its chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa has called on their 'old friends' and collective leadership of Naga rebel group in truce – NSCN (Khole-Kitovi) at the latter's truce-time Khehoi camp in Nagaland on Tuesday.

The Naga rebel group informed that Rajkhowa and his company called on NSCN leaders, 'chairman' Khole Konyak and general secretary Kitovi Zhimoni and lauded the on-going Naga reconciliation process to pave the way for settlement of Naga political problem once and for all.

Extolling the friendship between Nagas and Assamese that dates back to "hundreds of years", the NSCN faction said in the initial years during its formation, ULFA had made "eastern Nagaland (Myanmar) their base" and added "friendship and revolutionary spirit built during their early years was entrenched between the two revolutionary groups".

The NSCN faction asserted that solidarity and strengthening of bond between Nagas and Assamese was the objective and expressed appreciation of the "pro-people initiatives being taken by ULFA".

The NSCN faction Chairman Khole Konyak, General Secretary Kitovi Zhimomi long with ULFA chairman Arabinda Rajkhowa and 'captain' Apurba Boruah issued a joint statement after the meeting n which the ULFA delegation expressed "solidarity with the Naga people for exhibiting great courage in undertaking the Naga reconciliation process".

The leaders of both the groups acknowledged the age-old bond shared between Nagas and Assamese and agreed to "forge a closer relationship to maintain peace and tranquility between the two people."

They also affirmed that both will work in close coordination with each other and pursuing their respective political issues with the government of India "in consultation with their people and seek honourable and acceptable permanent political solutions through peaceful means".