Protestors hold placards during the sit in dharna organised by the NSF in Kohima on December 9. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 9
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) under the aegis of the North East Students’ Organization (NESO) today staged a sit-in dharna here at Raj Bhavan area in protest against the imposition of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in North Eastern states.
NSF President Kegwayhun Tep said the Naga people are shocked, angered, in grief and in disbelief at the extrajudicial and mindless killings of civilians by the armed forces in Mon. Tep demanded that the Government of India must immediately stop its policy of militarisation of the North East region on the pretext of solving the indo-Naga political issue through petty lip service.
“We cannot allow this draconian law to cause further terror in our homeland. The life of an innocent civilian is worth not less than that of a gun bearing soldier,” he said.
“This very act is unconstitutional, draconian in nature and a mechanism designed to encourage gross human rights violations by the armed forces acting on behalf of the state and intended to keep the North East people subjugated through militarization,” he said.
The federation demanded that the Government of India set up a court monitored committee to be headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge empowered to conduct an impartial probe into the matter and bring the culprits to justice immediately.
“Further, we demand that this draconian law is repealed once and for all and that human rights are restored in the homeland of the Nagas,” he said.
Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) President, Chingmak Kumchuba Chang also appealed the highest authority of the country for judicial enquiry to identify all the military and army personnel involved in the incident to be booked and penalized. “The action taken must be made public,” he added.
Former NSF President, Chuba Ozukum said that the enforcement of AFSPA has resulted in innumerable incidents of arbitrary detention, torture, rape, and looting by security personnel.
“This legislation is sought to be justified by the Government of India, on the plea that it is required to stop the North East states from seceding from the Indian Union because there is a strong movement for self-determination which precedes the formation of the Indian Union,” he said.
“It is unfortunate that the Government of India fails to take into account the ground reality but rather chooses to dehumanize the Naga people by using the most inhuman Act,” Ozukum said.
He stated that “this draconian law is not to maintain law and order in the region but to suppress the innocent people. It is only a means to terrorize and create fear among innocent people.” The imposition of AFSPA has only proved the iron hand of India and militarization against the Naga people, he added.
“If India is trying to become a permanent member of the UN Security Council, first do away with outdated, draconian, imperialistic, aggressive, uncivilized, stone aged AFSPA,” Ozukum said.
Earlier, NSF Speaker, James Brillliantson Kashung chaired the programme while vote of thanks was proposed by NSF Social & Culture Secretary, Benjong Longchar.
