Nagas in Burma face junta terror
Morung Express News
April 15
DIMAPUR: Emboldening Burmese Nagas who had gathered to listen to him, President of the Naga National League for Democracy (Burma), U So Sa, today encouraged them to highlight the sufferings of their people. He was speaking during a prayer programme for restoration of democracy in Burma at his residence in Dimapur. Denouncing the military rule in Burma, he said, “The military is for security, not to rule the country,” and asserted, “People are the rulers of the country.”
So Sa, who resides in Dimapur, and whose home doubles up as a makeshift office, was clear when he said the military in Burma endeavours to gain riches and power by inflicting sufferings on the people. The term ‘forced labour’ may not apply to the Nagas here but in Burma, Nagas are compelled into labour, he said. The savings accumulated from such labour is then generated for the purchase of arms and ammunition to suppress the rights of the people, he added. India being the largest democracy in the world is also responsible for democracy to be uplift, he said. “Helping the military in Burma is a serious mistake.”
Although not strong in numbers, the congregation offered powerful prayers asking for removal of their plight. The message that rang across was: ‘Christians are getting special treatment.’ Special as they are facing religious suppression. “We may also have to suffer because of our political belief,” So Sa said. “We are one of the smallest tribes in Burma but still then we are fighting for democracy.”
A pastor who works in Mandalay, not wishing to disclose his identity for fear of reprisal, said Nagas in Burma are being forced to convert into Buddhism by the junta. Giving an example, he said the military which cannot conquer the powerful armed group- the Karen National Union- by use of strength was striving to cause division among themselves by employing politics of religion.
The clergyman informed that for every 30 or 40 Naga villages, one primary school exists. And that too without a teacher. Education will lead to empowerment and this is what the junta does not want, he said. The condition of Burmese Nagas is deplorable, he said.
For this very reason a number of young boys and girls have made their exodus into areas such as Dimapur, he said. At present a number of them are undergoing studies in Dimapur, especially in theological schools. After arming themselves with the gospel, they would go back and serve in the Christian Army, it was said.
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