‘Peace is a right of all civilised people and communities’

June 12, 2022 64 Views No Comment

‘A Peoples Rally’ receives wide participation
New Delhi, June 12 (MExN): The Naga Students’ Federation in collaboration with the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi conducted ‘A Peoples Rally’ under the theme “Call for Peace” in New Delhi on Saturday received active participation from members of the federating units, Nagas in Delhi, leaders, church pastors, elders, well-wishers and people from ‘mainland’ India who supports the cause of the Naga movement.

Giving an overview of the event, Convenor of the Organising Committee K Elu Ndang issued a press release, highlighting messages that were shared by various organisations and individuals during the event.

Among others, it said that the message of the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) was read out by Fabiola Chinir on behalf of the NMA. The NMA stressed on the killings and atrocities committed by the Indian armed forces in the Naga Homeland, it said.

“Today, we call upon the Government of India to honour the peace negotiations and bring about sustainable peace in our Naga homeland by an honourable, acceptable and inclusive solution, to the Naga people at the earliest. The Naga Mothers called for recognition of our Naga Flag under which thousands have marched and laid down their lives and a working Constitution that will protect our Naga identity of social, cultural traditions and practices, basic Naga laws, our land and resources,” the release stated, quoting the NMA’s message.

The Naga Mothers also reiterate their demand for the repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which has violated every form of human rights in our Naga homeland, it added.

According to the release, Gentleson Vashum on behalf of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation stated that, the experience of yesteryears has shown India’s inability to accept the Naga historical and political rights. “This has resulted in what seems like an enduring stalemate where aspirations were conveniently side-lined and people turned to mute spectators. The Government of India’s quest for peace was fraught by political one-upmanship, political manoeuvring and political mismanagement which did not lead to any constructive, meaningful or transformative outcome. Rather, it led to a botched peace where Naga life was turned upside down and basic fundamental rights suppressed for decades,” it said.

President of All Naga Students’ Association, Manipur (ANSAM) Thirtung Wanglar also addressed the event and noted that the Nagas “were placed under two nations and put under four states on the other, arbitrarily divided the Nagas to suppress and repress our aspiration.” As per the release, Wanglar emphasised that the “adversaries had been trying to divided and crush the Naga people with different design and scheme that suit their interest” by drawing artificial boundaries, militarising the land, and employing ‘different economical packages’ and other means. “Despite all these, Nagas stood firm until today and shall remain as one people,” he added.

As per the release, Tapan Bose, former Secretary General, South Asia Forum for Human Rights and member, Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) also sent a solidarity message stating that the Nagas are “one of the most upright, honourable, compassionate and peace loving people.”

Further, Vijayan MJ, General Secretary, PIPFPD underlined that “Peace is neither a generosity of the occupier state nor a subject matter of solicitation or negotiations! Peace is a right of all civilised people and communities. Peace in that sense is not just the absence of armed conflict ad ear, but the establishing of dignity, people’s rights, democracy and justice.(sic)”He also urged the government of India “to adhere to the understanding and agreements reached with Naga groups. Any betrayal of such commitments will only make South Asia more vulnerable to violence,” the release stated.

The rally saw the participation of all the Federating units of the Naga Students federation (NSF) and also the constituent units of NSUD along with the members of Delhi Eastern Nagaland Students’ Union, Delhi (DENSU). The NSF also sent a representation to Government of India seeking urgent attention to the Indo-Naga political issue, it added.

Source: https://www.morungexpress.com/peace-is-a-right-of-all-civilised-people-and-communities