Church leaders in northeastern India said today that more serious efforts should be made to integrate the region with the rest of the country.

They were responding to a call from 12 militant groups in the region to boycott Republic Day celebrations tomorrow.

The boycott “only shows that emotional integration is far more important than quick-fix solutions,” said Archbishop Thomas Menamparampil, a member of the Joint Pace Mission Team.

Security concerns increased in the region after the rebel outfits last Saturday issued the boycott call through a joint press release.

The calls followed the Myanmar government’s reported move to crackdown on India’s militant groups operating from that country.

Archbishop Menamparampil, who has tried through the peace team to reconcile warring groups, said federal government has invested hugely in the region’s development.

But emotional integration with the mainland India is “a long journey,” he said.

Michael Henry of the Church of North India expressed regret that the rebels want to boycott Republic Day.

“They should accept and join the national celebration. All problems can be solved through dialogue,” he said.

Meanwhile some 700 rebels yesterday laid down their arms at a ceremony in Guwahati, Assam state.