Nagaland government committed to peace process: Y Patton

KOHIMA: The NPF-led Democratic Alliance of Nagaland (DAN) government has said the state government was committed to the the ongoing peace process but asked Naga political groups to strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules.

Interacting with the top brass of police led by DGP Besesayo Kezo at Chumukedima Police Complex in Dimapur yesterday, the newly-inducted Home Minister Y Patton said, "The state government is committed to the ongoing peace process. But Naga political groups should not take undue advantage of the open mindedness of the government and strictly adhere to the ceasefire ground rules."

He also said that the police must bear in mind that the ceasefire is no way an excuse to condone criminal activities of any individual or organisation.

Expressing that though the present law and order situation in the state was "challenging," he was optimistic about the future of policing, not because of the huge institutional strength of Nagaland Police, but for its "capability."

"I seek your co-operation and support to take our people into the new horizon," Patton said.

He also urged the officers to have "close knitted relationship" with public, civil societies and NGOs.