Nagas longing for peace: Naga leader

A top leader of Nagaland's apex body of tribes on Monday hailed the peace accord signed by the Indian government and the NSCN-IM, saying the Nagas were hungry for peace.

National Socialist Council of Nagaland-IM general secretary T. Muivah signed the pact with the government in New Delhi in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

But some Nagas wondered why there was so much silence before the accord was signed.

Chuba Ozukum, president of Naga Hoho, an apex body, expressed happiness over the accord and hoped it will bring a lasting solution to the Naga problem.

"It has been a long-standing desire of the people of Nagaland. However, it is difficult to say much as I am yet to see the contents of the accord," he said.

"The people of the state have been longing for a peace accord for a long time," he said.

Former Nagaland chief minister S.C. Jamir told IANS: "I am yet to see the contents of the accord. Without knowing that, it is difficult to comment."

He added: "I was not aware the accord was going to be signed today. It seems they have done it silently for reasons best known to them."

A leader of the Naga Students Federation said on the condition of anonymity: "The announcement came as a shocker. The people of Nagaland have been longing for this.

"Now we are waiting eagerly to see the contents," he added.