Dimapur, February 3 (MExN): The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) has expressed deep pain over the depressing and ugly turn of events in Nagaland leading to the death of two Naga youth, injury and loss of many properties.
NSA President, Dr. Zuchamo Yanthan and General Secretary, Dr. Gideon Shadang in a press statement said that the state government must hold responsibility of the chaotic situation and loss of life and property.
The grim situation in Nagaland following announcement of ULB elections 2017 with 33% reservation for women and consequent protests by various groups demanding postponement of the elections went totally unheeded and ignored. The situation appears to have gone out of hand where the Nagaland state government has become part of the conflict that turned violent, NSA stated.
While acknowledging the highly deserving but rather contentious issue of women’s reservation and the protests from various Naga civil society groups, it is expected of a responsible government to have democratically pursued the election process to avoid causing much violence and havoc in Nagaland, the Association added.
“Therefore, we strongly condemn the irresponsible role of Government of Nagaland for the utter mismanagement and authoritarianism leading to violent situation in Nagaland,” stated NSA.
It also added that the government should immediately address the issue to redress the chaotic situation and listen to the voice of the masses.
The NSA also appeals to the Naga civil society groups and individuals to restrain from violence but to seek a democratic and peaceful solution to the present imbroglio. Notwithstanding the rights of women, the Naga women, particularly the Naga Mothers’ Association have crucial role to play towards peaceful solution of the problem and pave way for mutual understanding of the issue.
