CNTC appeals for peace, restraint amid community tensions

Dimapur, October 13 (MExN): The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) has appealed to the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities to end the recent violence and tensions, urging both sides to exercise restraint and uphold their longstanding ties of brotherhood.In a statement issued amid the unrest, the CNTC expressed deep sorrow over the loss of life, injuries to innocent people, burning of homes and displacement of families, stating that the suffering of one community was felt by the other.The council emphasised that the Yimkhiung and Tikhir communities were closely bound by blood, history and culture, with a shared destiny. It urged people from both sides to choose restraint over retaliation and prevent further loss of life, destruction of property and displacement.“True courage is not found in striking back, but in the strength to protect, to forgive, and to heal,” the statement said, appealing to leaders, elders and youth of both communities to guide their people with wisdom and compassion, protect the vulnerable and work towards restoring peace.The CNTC also called upon the State Government and district administrations to act with urgency and fairness to ensure the safety of all, provide immediate relief to affected families and facilitate genuine dialogue to pave the way for reconciliation.Reaffirming the values of resilience, forgiveness and kinship among the Nagas, the council expressed hope that the present crisis would give way to reconciliation and a stronger bond between the two communities.“May the tears stop. May peace return. And may the bond of brotherhood between the Yimkhiung and Tikhir people be restored, stronger than before,” the statement added.