Jan. 27: Inspired by the “path-breaking” Centre-NSCN (I-M) talks, insurgency-ridden Northeast celebrated Republic Day with a cry for peace and looked ahead with hope to a new dawn.

Barring Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram, Governors of the other states put the onus on the rebel outfits, saying they must “shed their rigidity” to find lasting solutions to their grievances.

Terming the visit of the NSCN (I-M) leaders to New Delhi as a “landmark” and the year 2003 having begun on a note of optimism, Nagaland Governor Shyamal Datta asked the rival Khaplang faction to show “wisdom and understanding” to work out a solution for all sections of Naga society.

In Assam, Governor Lt. Gen. (retd) S.K. Sinha urged the banned Ulfa to come forward for talks to end insurgency.

Addressing the Republic Day function at Judges Field in Guwahati, Sinha said it was “unfortunate” that the Ulfa had taken a rigid stance on the issue of negotiations. “They (the Ulfa leadership) had put up certain impossible terms and conditions for talks which no government would be able to accept,” the Governor said.

Expressing pleasure that insurgent outfits like Dima Halam Daoga, the United Peoples Democratic Solidarity and the Bodo Liberation Tigers have come forward for talks, the Governor said “negotiation was the only way to solve the problem”.

Meghalaya Governor M.M. Jacob, too, echoed similar sentiments, asking the militant organisations to come forward and discuss their problems and grievances with the government.

It was an identical appeal from Tripura Governor Lt. Gen. (retd) K.M. Seth, who urged the militants to shun violence and join the mainstream while contributing to the state’s development.

In Manipur, the Republic Day celebrations were held amid tight security following a boycott call by underground outfits in the state.

However, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh stood out from the rest.

Mizoram Governor Amolak Rattan Kohli gave credit to the Mizo people and the law enforcement agencies for maintaining peace and harmony in the state. Kohli said the dynamic efforts of the people and law enforcement agencies resulted in making the state an island of peace in trouble-torn Northeast.

Arunachal Pradesh joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 54th Republic Day, with Governor Arvind Dave pledging a transparent, responsive and accountable administration to the people of the state.