DIMAPUR, AUGUST 20 (MExN): The Zeliangrong Baudi, Zeliangrong Youth Front and All Zeliangrong Students’ Union has expressed concern at what it termed as NSCN (IM)’s “intimidation” that “any organization or individual falling in line with RN Ravi is anti-Naga.”
A joint statement from the three organizations under the letter head of the Zeliangron Baudi (AMN) said that “every Naga has the unquestionable right to express their opinions and views that cannot be gagged or intimidated by anybody as far as the Naga political issue is concerned.”
In a rejoinder to an August 18’s press statement issued by the Convenor of the NSCN (IM) Steering Committee Convener, Maj (Retd.) Hutovi Chishi, the organizations called the the “issuing such warning and intimidation” as a “violation of human rights.”
The Nagas irrespective of regions or tribes have been involved, participated and contributed to sustain the movement “and have suffered enough at the altar of Naga political movement,” they said.
They added that “issuing warning or intimidation to civil organizations or individuals for ventilating the voice of the people is suppressing the voice of the people.”
The press release further stated that the Government of India’s Interlocutor and Nagaland Governor, RN Ravi, “has been working for the unity of Naga people and its inclusiveness so that long lasting honourable and workable solution is achieved.” “Because of this observation and ground reality, the civil organizations want RN Ravi to continue as the Interlocutor of the Indo-Naga political negotiation,” it added.
It meanwhile advised that while engaging in political negotiation with the Government of India, “the NSCN (IM) should refrain from issuing warning or intimidation to any individual or civil organizations who are representing the voice, interest and sentiment of the people.”
“If any untoward incident happens to ZCO leaders or individuals from Zeliangrong community, the NSCN (IM) would be held responsible. The Government of India should also not allow the NSCN (IM) to issue such threat or intimidation under the garb of Indo-Naga peaceful political negotiation. For any untoward incident or negative consequences that may arise, the onus shall also be with the Government of India for not taking necessary actions on time,” the organizations stated.
