DIMAPUR, APRIL 27 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) on Friday make known to the international community that the Indo-Naga issue has reached the “finest moment for a political settlement.”
Secretary General, NPMHR Neingulo Krome addressing the 18th session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues at the UN HQ in New York said the Indo-Naga issue has reached the finest moment for a political settlement that would recognize the rights of the Nagas as a distinct people.
That is, Krome pointed out, if the Government of India is sincere and committed, since it only requires a ‘political will’ now.
However, should the talk break and ceasefires are abrogated; Krome invoked the intervention of the United Nations and the international community to “hold the GoI accountable for its insincerity and for habitually going back on its own words time-and-time again.”
Revisiting Naga political history, Krome said 90 years ago, Nagas made their position very clear to the then Simon Commission of British-India that “we cannot be thrust to the mercy of those who could never subjugate us but leave us alone to determine for ourselves as in ancient times.”
Again 71 years ago, Nagas declared Independence on August 14, 1947 when Britishers left the Indian sub-continent, just one day before India too declared her Independence. However, by early 50s, the GoI started sending military troops to Nagaland when Nagas refused to join the Union of India by conducting Plebiscite on May 16, 1951 where 99.9% voted for an Independent Nagaland. This was followed by 100% boycott of the first Indian Parliament Elections in 1952.
The consequence was atrocious. Acts of genocides were committed on the Naga people through all kinds of gross human rights violation and military atrocities, furthered by the enactment of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act of 1958, which gave sweeping powers to military personnel to shot and kill any person.
Then in a breakthrough, in 1964, the GoI entered into the 1st ceasefire agreement with the leaders of Naga National Movement which India unilaterally broke off after 8 years. Then in August 1997, the GoI entered into the 2nd ceasefire agreement with political negotiations that have addressed every substantial issues in the las 22 years.
Over the years and till date, the GoI has subsequently entered into more ceasefire agreements with almost all Naga Political Groups thus creating a conducive atmosphere for arriving at a political settlement, Krome stated.
