Dimapur, Feb 3 (MExN): Calling for respecting the right of choice or self-identification for students who opted for NBSE’s curricula, the NSCN-K is appealed to withdraw its threats, by the United Naga Council (UNC), All Naga Students Association, Manipur (ANSAM), Naga Women’s Union Manipur (NWUM) and the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR-south).
“In the interest of unity of purpose for all Nagas and their homeland and in the spirit of respecting the right of choice or self-identification for the students who wish to opt for NBSE curricula due to its cultural sensitivity and affinity, we appeal NSCN (K) to withdraw its threats to disturb the taking of examination by Naga Hill students of Manipur in order to create a congenial atmosphere to perform their duties” a joint statement appended by the Presidents of the aforementioned civil society stated.
While appreciating the positive statements from different quarters for Naga reconciliation and unity, the statement reminded that the student’s community representing the younger generation has made conscious choice towards realizing “the aspiration of the people through strengthening of emotional bonds in the quest for common understanding of our people, land and culture”. The organizations termed as unfortunate and insensible the continuing threats issued by the NSCN (K) to the students’ community and against institutions/ individuals facilitating the hosting of examination. “These very acts of intimidation and promotion of a culture of fear and insecurity holds enormous consequences endangering the future Naga generations” the statement cautioned and appealed to all communities and institutions to cooperate in the larger interest of just peace, understanding and solidarity.
Meanwhile, the Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has in a statement appealed to the NSCN (K) to revoke its threat against the Naga students sitting for NBSE examination in different centers of the state.
The demands for affiliation of students from the Naga Hills of Manipur is an expression of the will of the people who continues to be oppressed through the systematic process of brainwashing of upholding the dominant culture and way of life while deriding the age old unique cultural and historical rights of the Nagas, the NPMHR stated in a press communiqué issued by Lanu Sashi Longkumer Convenor, NPMHR Nagaland sector and Nepuni Piku Secretary General, NPMHR Secretariat.
Pointing out that throughout history it is the dominant that often create and write history to perpetuate the dominance of the frontier communities under their so called sphere of influence and that “language has been one chief medium through which the dominant system tries to exclude the other communities in the name of homogenization and dominance”, the NPMHR stated that the dominant community through the systematic coercion and obvert connivance of the state administration has been trying to impose the Meitei mayek language script since decade which rightfully continues to be resisted by the hill peoples in general and the Nagas in particular.
“Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights once again reiterates that it will be the people and not imposed structures that will decide the future of the people. NPMHR appreciate and extends our critical solidarity to the peaceful assertion and critical demonstration of the students’ community through the banner of NSF which is a just struggle for dignity”.
In this regard, NPMHR appreciated the role of the Nagaland State Government for positively affirming and upholding the right of choice for the students’ community in the Naga Hills of Manipur to gain affiliation with the Nagaland Board of Secondary Education (NBSE).
“NPMHR is for unification of Naga homeland wherever Nagas are contiguously placed and demands removal of all artificial boundaries that is in the way of Nagas fully exercising their rights to self-determination”, it reaffirmed and pointed out that any impediment caused towards this effort of creating a common vision is a negation in the united search for unity in purpose towards achieving the aspiration as a people.
NPMHR stated that it considered the threat issued by certain national groups as deviation from the common goal and appealed for immediate revocation of threats which creates an abnormal situation for all especially the young minds preparing to take the important exams.
