Dimapur: Nagaland deputy CM Y Patton on Saturday expressed concern over the emergence of multiple underground factions and the growing problem of extortion in the state, calling for greater unity among Naga groups.He said Centre would provide only one solution to the Naga issue, rather than separate solutions for the 36–37 factions in the state.He said Nagaland had the highest number of factions in the country and the highest rate of extortion, particularly in Dimapur, Chumoukedima and Niuland districts.Addressing the Tokhu Emong celebration organised by the Dimapur Lotha Hoho at the Multi-Disciplinary Sports Complex in Dimapur, Patton called for greater unity among Naga political groups.Tokhu Emong is the principal festival of the Lotha Naga community. It is celebrated to give thanks for a bountiful harvest and the blessings received during the past year.Patton appealed to the groups to unite and coordinate their efforts to advance the Naga issue. He said the Naga public had also been calling on all groups to come together and work towards unity.He urged the Lotha Naga community to develop a better understanding of the Naga movement and contribute to finding an acceptable solution for all sections of the Naga people.“We should not encourage disunity and should not be a part of dividing our Naga society,” he said.Extending Tokhu Emong greetings to the Lotha people living in and around Dimapur and across the country, Patton expressed hope that the celebration would foster brotherhood, peace, understanding and unity, and bring prosperity to Naga society.
