Kohima, Nov 19 : Nagas from all walks of life have joined hands to promote and preserve peace and harmony in the state.

Recently, they took out a rally to condemn factional clashes and appeal to all groups to work for the progress of the state.

Some with walking sticks and fading eyesight carried out a peace march with the message to stop killings and bloodshed once for all. They were forced to take the walk after their continuous appeal failed to dissuade the warring Naga factions from killing each other.

"We all know that Naga political issue is a national issue. Naga political issue has been 78 years now, since Simon Commission. We could not settle our Naga political right, that's why, we all have gathered over here," said Vikuto Zhimo, President of the All Nagaland GBs Association.

Sachopra Vero, Deputy Commissioner, Kohima, said, "In order to take a decision to control the situation, the joint forum working committee and resolutions were adopted. And we are going from district to district, to make our people understand the situation."

NSC (IM) and NSCN (K) - the main factions of the Naga groups have been fighting each other for the last two decades for establishing supremacy in the region.

IM group claims to represent all the Nagas of the North East while the K faction declares itself the real representatives of Nagas. In this war, it's the common people who are the real sufferer.

"These two organisations have joint forum and have adopted the five point's resolution and the most important point is the six months cease fire between the factions of Nagas. Let us not ask them to declare ceasefire among the faction. We can bring them together and can solve the existing problems," said Vilanuo Yhome from Angami Women Organization.

People of Nagaland have seen enough violence and uncertainty. Peace talks since 1997 has given the state the taste of peace.

It's now the bounden duty of the different Naga outfits who claim to represent the people to respect the wishes of their constituencies. But that's not happening. And people have gradually started questioning the Naga leadership about their commitment to peace and harmony. (ANI)