Naga groups urged to exercise restraint from confrontations
Dimapur, January 19 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) says it is ‘utterly dismayed’ to learn of the occupation of a school by Indian military forces at Urra village in Dimapur district.
“With a sordid history of desecrating hallowed and revered places without any consideration for the sentiments and welfare of the public nor for the violations of basic human rights, perhaps it should come as no big surprise to a keen observer that the military force of the largest democracy in the world has once again demonstrated its propensity to defile the most sacrosanct of secular institutions,” the NPMHR said in a press release today. Convener of the organization Atoho Aloto Kiho appended the press release.
“In the backdrop of the decision by the Ministry of Home Affairs to curtail the movement of the Naga leaders, the occupation of the school at Urra village and the arbitrary frisking of vehicles and civilians hints at a sinister motive by the Government of India to undermine and weaken the decade and half old peace talks with the Nagas.”
“The NPMHR expresses support to the authorities of Urra village in their legitimate effort to resume normal village life without the hindrance of camouflaged, booted and gun-totting strangers watching over their every move. We strongly petition the Government of Nagaland, the Ceasefire Monitoring Board and the Ministry of Home Affairs, GOI to dialogue at the earliest so that the anomaly causing uncalled-for suffering to the innocent villagers is addressed at the earliest.”
The press release added: “The NPMHR also urges the military commands of the NSCN (K) and the GPRN/NSCN to exercise utmost restraint from confrontations. The movement is especially concerned over the current standoff at Athibung and strongly implores the concerned authorities to desist from endangering human lives. We laud and await the fruition of the press statement of the NSCN (K) that disclosed that the two cadres of the GPRN/NSCN who are being held under ‘house arrest’ are safe and sound and would be released soon.”
