Three Ao organizations implore redressal from Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner
Mokokchung, January 22 (MExN): The three organizations of the Ao community today petitioned the Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner to control the ‘wanton’ checking of vehicles by paramilitary forces in the three permanent check-gates in Mokokchung district. There are three permanent Assam Rifles check gates in the district – Sewak (NH-2), Tuli Town (NH-2) and Longtho (recently declared a national highway).
“It is for the convenience of the innocent travelers travelling on the highways and to maintain the congenial relationship between the paramilitary forces and the general public,” the organizations stated in a joint memorandum addressed to Mokokchung Deputy Commissioner.
The Ao Senden (Ao Hoho), Watsu Mungdang (Ao Women Organization) and Ao Kaketshir Mungdang (Ao Students’ Conference) – in the joint memo said that their attention has been drawn by the untold inconveniences caused to traveler due to the wanton checking of vehicles by the security forces at the various check gates.
“We have no objection if the paramilitary forces conduct mobile checks as per the situation and time. However, to have permanent gates by security forces along public highways … is quite questionable,” the three organizations argued. The organizations quoted travelers, mostly responsible citizens, complaining that “It is very demeaning, irritating and tiring to be stopped every time at AR check gates by a jawan with a stick and to be asked in Hindi ‘kon hai, kahase’ etc and have the details of their vehicles entered in a register”. They also pointed out absence of female security personnel at the check gates which has caused much unease among the women travelers.
Further questioning the placing of oil barrels at the highway, the organizations pointed out that ‘As per National Highway specifications, even speed breakers are not allowed to be constructed’.
In this connection, the apex Ao organizations termed the check gates as “illegal,” asserting that ‘Under a democratic setup, there are no provisions for construction and manning of check gates along highways by paramilitary or army.” While legislations like AFSPA and DAA which are still enforced in Nagaland, “It cannot be an excuse keeping in view that Human rights is one of the most important and burning topics in the world today, more so in a conflict area like Nagaland, the joint memo further argued.
Most international organizations including UN mandated bodies have pointed out that AFSPA and DAA as extra-constitutional having no place in a democracy and should be repealed, they highlighted in the memo.
Consequently, terming the wanton checking at different check gates as “an infringement on personal dignity of the citizens” and “…the excuse of AFSPA or DAA” cannot be given for “causing inconveniences, or in most cases, even humiliation to travelers,” the joint memo argued for controlling it immediately.
Reminding that the issue has been in discussion even in the past, the organizations urged the DC to take up the matter with the appropriate authority and take necessary action at the earliest so that it is not “blown out of proportion and break the congenial relationships between the paramilitary forces and the general public”.
The joint memo was appended by Ao Senden Vice president O Shilu, Watsu Mungdang President Moachila and AKM Vice President Akummeren Longchar.
