The unintended political overtone to a layman may appear harmless in a particular situation however when taken out of context become our nemesis in the long run. On the appeal to the Nagaland Governor for amnesty to Nikki Sumi and other NSCN leaders, spectrum of ramifications emerges that which may undermine the very purpose of the Naga struggle. Amnesty is relevant to political exile and criminals convicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity etc. seeking for pardon or reprieve on humanitarian ground. Whereas in our context the colonising power India is the perpetuator responsible for nearly 70 years militarism upon the Nagas causing irreparable physical and psychological trauma, miming and scarring thousands of innocent Naga civil population and large scale destruction of properties and assets over decades of violent repressions.
In a more systematic and dubious manner each atrocities continues in our land today under the draconian Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA) and the government of India allows her Army to freely engage in numerous cross violation of Human Rights. The Indian political leaders and army commanders responsible for ordering such despicable inhuman atrocities on the Naga people should be the one to seek political pardon/amnesty from the Naga people and must also be tried before International Tribunal for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The International Court of Justice and UNHRC must also set up investigation to ascertain many custodial deaths in the hands of Indian security forces. The question for appealing for amnesty on the part of NSCN/GPRN leaders therefore does not arise.
The NSCN/GPRN is a hierarchically established government headed by the President SS Khaplang, vice president Lieutenant General Retired Khangao Konyak, General Kumchop Pangmei Army Chief, Lieutenant General Nikki Sumi deputy Army Chief and host of senior Army commanders, cabinet kilonsers, bureaucracy and regional authorities. NSCN/GPRN derives its strength from illustrious leaders and commanders but do not encourage or practice personal cult leadership system and therefore suggesting to engage in a dialogue with a certain individual leader or commander on the basis of citizenship to a particular area, region or state may only be interpreted as divisive in nature no matter how well intentioned the writer could have been.
Issued by MIP, NSCN/GPRN
