Dimapur, April 15 (MExN): The Eastern Naga National Workers’ Forum (ENNWF) NSCN (IM) has made an appeal to the “Nagas to refrain from conscription, which is a form of colonialism and to assert their birthrights.”
In a statement issued on Monday, the Convenor of ENNWF NSCN (IM) said that Nagas have endured the suffering inflicted by the gun barrels of Burma and India with our parents, brothers and sisters enduring, starvation, torture and death for far too long. “In the pursuit of Naga freedom, we have sacrificed countless years. The time has come for us to unite, revive our spirit, and steadfastly assert our rights,” it stated.
The Forum said that the history and stance of the Naga people are clear and still alive as Nagas have never been under Burma or India since time immemorial. The various Naga tribes first encountered the Burmese in a confrontational manner not many years ago. However, the Eastern Nagas maintained self-reliance until Burma and India forcefully imposed their colonial powers, it asserted.
“The recent conscription law, enacted by the military Junta to enlist all adult males and females, goes against the wishes of the Naga people,” it alleged while adding that Nagas have consistently maintained neutrality amidst clashes between the Junta and NUG- people's Defense force, not out of fear but to uphold political legitimacy and foster peace within the Naga nation.
In this regard, ENNWF NSCN (IM) stated that it is compelled to address the military junta regarding the oppressive conscription law and to prevent Naga youth from being used as human shields between the Junta and the PDF. “Instead, ENNWF advises the junta to engage in dialogue to resolve the turmoil and restore democracy in the country.”
