Dimapur, June 9 (MExN): The National Socialist Women’s Organisation of Nagalim (NSWON) has expressed profound disapproval over what it termed the “brutal crackdown” on a peaceful democratic protest by Tangkhul Naga women at Shokvao/New Heaven, Ukhrul, and surrounding areas on June 7.
The demonstration was organised to protest the alleged unlawful intrusion of the 40 Assam Rifles (40 AR), under the command of Col Sunil Singh Lunthi, the NSWON said in a statement.
According to the organisation, the women were exercising their legitimate democratic right to voice concerns about what they regard as the high-handed conduct of the Assam Rifles in areas governed by established Naga customary institutions and practices.
The assembly was not an act of confrontation but a lawful and peaceful assertion of accountability, dignity and respect for customary jurisdiction, it asserted.
The NSWON further stated that the June 7 incident was not an isolated episode, adding that repeated actions that disregard long-standing customary authority and local protocols erode public confidence and risk creating unnecessary tension between the Assam Rifles and Naga communities.
Any use of force, intimidation or coercion against peaceful women demonstrators is inconsistent with democratic values and the standards expected of security forces, it added.
To this end, the NSWON urged the Assam Rifles and the relevant authorities to exercise restraint, sensitivity and wisdom in their engagements with Naga communities.
Peace cannot be sustained through unilateral actions; it must be built through consultation, mutual respect and recognition of the historical and customary realities that prevail in Naga areas, it maintained, adding that heavy-handed responses and demeaning rhetoric only deepen grievances and undermine the democratic character of the Indian republic.
Condemning the actions, the NSWON called for a transparent and impartial inquiry into the incident and demanded that those responsible for any excesses be held accountable.
It also called upon the Assam Rifles to respect customary jurisdiction and established local protocols and to refrain from actions that escalate conflict.
The NSWON further conveyed its full solidarity with the women of Shokvao in their pursuit of justice through peaceful and democratic means and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding humanity, dignity and the political rights of the Naga people.
