Memorandum submitted to Governor
Kohima, February 17 (MExN): The Naga Mothers' Association (NMA) on February 17 stated that airing personal views on the Naga struggle and the long drawn out search for peace cannot be termed as sedition.
In a memorandum submitted to Nagaland Governor R N Ravi following the latter’s directive to the State Chief Secretary on ‘State government servants and Sedition’, the NMA said that, notwithstanding State Service Conduct Rules, the fundamental right of citizens, government employee or otherwise, cannot be stifled or threatened in any democracy.
The NMA said that its statements were ‘as concerned mothers’, noting the silence of the State government service associations in the public domain on the issue.
“The freedom of expression guaranteed under the Constitution is also applicable to State government servants, to air their views to higher authorities or in the public domain,” it stated.
“In the context of Nagas, caught in the decades of armed struggle for self-determination, the Draconian Armed Forces Special Powers Act still in force since 1958, army atrocities on our people and a long drawn out peace process, it has been the wish of all, to ensure that long lasting peace and a resolution on the Naga Political Issue is done at the earliest,” the Association added.
The NMA also took a strong exception to the ‘targeting of Dr Inato Jimomi’ in the Governor’s directive and voiced serious concern at the ‘targeting’ of a “dedicated Veterinary Doctor by profession and a noted social worker.”
According to the NMA, Dr Jimomi’s father was killed by Indian armed forces while serving in the Naga army, near Thewati in Pochury area under Meluri Sub-Division.
“He has worked tirelessly for Naga widows and orphans of the Naga struggle and often aired his personal views on the Naga struggle and the long drawn out search for peace, which cannot be termed as sedition,” the Association stated.
The NMA further asserted that in case of any controversial issue, all Nagas, be it government servants, civil society or individuals, are answerable to their Clan, Khel, Village and Tribe. “Our customs and tradition hold sway on codes of ethics and honor and loyalty to our land and our people,” it stated and urged the Governor’s office for “maturity, unbiased commitment to peace and a better understanding of the Naga society.” It also posed faith in the elected State government to stand for propriety and impartiality, “without vested witch hunting.” As such, the NMA reminded the Governor that as an honored guest in the land, “mutual respect must be maintained.”
