SENAPATI, Oct 4: The United Naga Council (UNC) has made a heartfelt appeal to the Hunphun and Hungpung villagers to avoid further violence and pursue peaceful solutions after the tragic incidents on October 2 that resulted in deaths and injuries among members of both villages.

Expressing deep sorrow over the recent turmoil, the UNC stated that the outdated practices of headhunting and violence should not define their interactions. “The era of head hunting as sports and glorifying one’s chopped head as trophy are old ways and the days of the past. It is a natural phenomenon for any human race to have disagreement and conflict over land resources but violence is not a means for ends of conflict,” UNC said.

“With the advent of Christianity in our land, our ancestors have abandoned our old ways of life and always followed the path of ‘reasoning’. So let us reason together and shun from further exacerbation of violence and killings to restore peace and cohesion” the UNC remarked.

The council extended condolences to the families of the deceased and those injured, calling on village leaders to heed their “inner voice” and help de-escalate tensions through peaceful dialogue. They encouraged both communities to take significant steps toward reconciliation.

It urged the villagers to put at rest all possible confrontation and bloodshed for the sake of “our” elders, children and younger generations.

“Let us embrace compassion, love and forgiveness instead of getting ourselves embroiled in senseless fighting. Let peace and sanity prevail,” it added.

The UNC reaffirmed its dedication to promoting understanding and healing within the community in the wake of recent violence.