Speaking on the occasion of the 63rd International Human Rights Day which was organized by the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR), Rev Dr Wati Aier as a matter of fact pointed out that institutionalized violence from within remained a threat to the Nagas. “There is institutionalized violence within our own structure. We are struggling for political rights but we are neglecting human rights in our own home”, the Reverend who is also Convenor of Forum for Naga Reconciliation noted. He also suggested imparting training and education in human rights to the functionaries of the Naga political groups. In fact greater sensitization on human rights has to be made part and parcel of our systems and governance. If we can do this, then every aspect of our daily state of affairs—from policy making, development initiatives, decision making, policing etc. is bound to improve. While the FNR Convenor referred to the Naga political groups while talking about institutionalized violence, a woman speaker reportedly raised the controversial decision of how the Watsu Mungdang—the apex organization of Ao women—was suspended by the powerful menfolk. Her point of concern was that when women are discriminated and their rights suppressed this amounted to violation of basic human rights. As such we have to understand that human rights cover the entire spectrum of our fundamental rights and their denial makes us less than human, which is just not acceptable.
Coming to the importance and significance of December 10, which is commemorated as the International Human Rights Day, at least this year the NPMHR was able to mark the occasion. Last year in Nagaland most of us did not find it imperative to remember the day while several human rights organisations in Tripura, Assam and Manipur organised numerous programmes to highlight the significance of the day. In fact some of these rights group used the occasion to urge governments in the region to constitute Human Rights Commission and also called for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Hopefully this year’s message about institutionalized violence will resonate through and make the Naga people more appreciative of inculcating a culture promoting human rights. We have to understand that violence, corruption, injustice, discrimination etc all result in large scale violations of human rights. We need to create more awareness on basic human rights. Sometimes we Nagas think that human rights apply only to us. Others are guilty of gross human rights abuses but we Nagas can do no wrong. This seems to be our mentality. However human rights are universal and Nagas cannot be selective or pick and choose as per our whims and fancies.
As much as it is the inalienable rights of the Nagas, similarly it applies equally and without discrimination to other race and peoples. When Nagas kidnap for ransom, we are violating the human right of the non-Naga person. Similarly when Nagas torture and beat up non-locals almost on a daily basis we are failing in our duty to protect other’s human rights which we profusely claim for ourselves. Nagas can be hasty, aggressive and often violent. Because of this maybe we are not the best practitioners of human rights although as we have mentioned we expect others to honor our rights diligently. Whether we like it or not, culture of violence has come to symbolize Naga society. We should also not merely sit and watch the deterioration of human rights from within. Let us throw away our inhuman behavior. In a way doesn’t it make sense for Nagas to actually start respecting human rights? Once we become good practitioners of human rights, our society is bound to improve.
Coming to the importance and significance of December 10, which is commemorated as the International Human Rights Day, at least this year the NPMHR was able to mark the occasion. Last year in Nagaland most of us did not find it imperative to remember the day while several human rights organisations in Tripura, Assam and Manipur organised numerous programmes to highlight the significance of the day. In fact some of these rights group used the occasion to urge governments in the region to constitute Human Rights Commission and also called for repeal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). Hopefully this year’s message about institutionalized violence will resonate through and make the Naga people more appreciative of inculcating a culture promoting human rights. We have to understand that violence, corruption, injustice, discrimination etc all result in large scale violations of human rights. We need to create more awareness on basic human rights. Sometimes we Nagas think that human rights apply only to us. Others are guilty of gross human rights abuses but we Nagas can do no wrong. This seems to be our mentality. However human rights are universal and Nagas cannot be selective or pick and choose as per our whims and fancies.
As much as it is the inalienable rights of the Nagas, similarly it applies equally and without discrimination to other race and peoples. When Nagas kidnap for ransom, we are violating the human right of the non-Naga person. Similarly when Nagas torture and beat up non-locals almost on a daily basis we are failing in our duty to protect other’s human rights which we profusely claim for ourselves. Nagas can be hasty, aggressive and often violent. Because of this maybe we are not the best practitioners of human rights although as we have mentioned we expect others to honor our rights diligently. Whether we like it or not, culture of violence has come to symbolize Naga society. We should also not merely sit and watch the deterioration of human rights from within. Let us throw away our inhuman behavior. In a way doesn’t it make sense for Nagas to actually start respecting human rights? Once we become good practitioners of human rights, our society is bound to improve.
