Naga organizations call for stern enquiry, serious scrutiny and necessary measures
DIMAPUR, OCTOBER 27 (MExN): Several organizations have condemned the alleged occupation of the Mekokla Baptist Church building under Wokha district by the 28 Assam Rifles (AR) on October 22 and 23.
The Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) condemned the alleged action of the AR, for “defiling the sanctity of worship place, the church” and “failing to pay due respect to a holy/sacred place.” The NBCC, in a press statement, said that it has taken serious note of the alleged “remarks of the company commander of Doyang out post to the pastor and village council members that, ‘the area being under his jurisdiction, he was at liberty to take any decision without anybody’s permission or consultation with anybody.’”
Security forces, it said, “cannot behave and create fear as they have done in the 1950s and 60s.” “India being a secular and democratic country; we expect respect and honour for worship places irrespective of religion, from any responsible officer or group. The concerned Commander and Jawans should remember section 295A of the Indian Penal Code,” it reminded.
The NBCC strongly urged the higher authority to “discipline their officers to avoid brewing up of any communal tension among the different religious group.”
The Nagaland Scholars’ Association (NSA) has also condemned the incident and expressed solidarity with the local people.
“What is more condemnable is the statement made by the Army Commander who stated that since Mekokla falls under his jurisdiction he has the right and authority to do whatever he wishes. This is an alarming statement and calls for deeper introspection by the right thinking citizens of this country. The men in uniform are supposed to protect the sanctity of all religious places,” the NSA stated in its press note.
It said that the incident has “seriously hurt the sentiment of the Naga people, once again damaging the image of the Indian Army and Assam Rifles in the region.” It calls for serious scrutiny from the Government of India and also civil society groups and activists, the NSA stated, while adding that “misguided and insensitive attitude and approach of the Assam Rifles Commander is highly questionable and should invite stern enquiry and action.”
The Nagaland Theological Colleges Association (NTCA) meanwhile stated that the AR action “shows that they have completely misplaced their priority as military personnel by intruding religious institution with ulterior motive.”
“What surprises the NTCA is that, despite offering the community hall for their accommodation by the village leaders, the commander-in-charge refused. This is alien culture in Naga context because no sensible guest or guests would refuse accommodation provided by the host and stay anywhere they like, especially where they are not supposed to lodge,” it stated.
It reminded the personnel that “it is unconstitutional for them to intrude or trespass into the place of worship in the name of duty.” “It is also too costly to trade your integrity as a soldier by misbehaving because it brings irreparable damage to the image of the Indian army in general who are supposed to be disciplined, respectful, and protectors of the people.
You’re welcome to the church for worship but not for trespassing. We hope to see good will and fairness on the part of the soldiers on duty in future,” the NTCA said.
It further called upon the concerned authority to take necessary measures “so as to avoid this unwanted action on the part of its personnel of any rank.”
The Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) also expressed concern at the October 23 shootout and the alleged occupation of the church by the AR. It appealed to all concerned to adhere and respect the ground rules of the Cease Fire keeping in mind the peace and tranquility of the land.
A press note from the CNTC also urged the Naga political groups to “remain in their designated camps so that such unfortunate incidents do not take place jeopardizing the lives of innocent and the vulnerable public.” At the same time, it asked the Assam Rifles to “live up to its name of ‘Friends of the Hill People’ in all actuality and thus act accordingly.”
It further expressed condolences to the deceased GPRN/NSCN cadre who was killed during the October 23 shootout, and wished speedy recovery of the injured.
The CNTC urged the state government to take the matter of the church occupation with the Indian Army and the Cease-Fire Monitoring Board and ensure that such activities do not take place in future at any cost.
