NPMHR calls for release of all Naga political prisoners as a gesture of goodwill
DIMAPUR, MAY 13 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has written to Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh requesting for his intervention in expediting the Indo-Naga Peace talks and for immediate release of all Naga political prisoners. The letter written by NPMHR Secretary General Dr. Gina Shangkham, a copy of which was also addressed to Union Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde, has made an appeal for the intervention of the PM and expediting an honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga issue and for the release of all Naga political prisoners as a gesture of goodwill.
Reminding the PM on the Indo-Naga cease-fire and peace talks since 1997, the letter stated that the Naga people have, since then, been waiting patiently for a solution that will end the cycle of violence and bloodshed that Nagas have gone through before the onset of the Indo-Naga peace talks. “However, almost sixteen years since the ceasefire, no end or honourable solution is in sight,” stated the letter to the PM.
On the other hand, the NPMHR pointed out that “Indian state forces and its various agencies are functioning in total impunity; going against the central spirit of the ceasefire in which Indian representatives and Naga leaders collectively work toward an honourable solution for all concerned.”
For instance, it was pointed out that the National Investigation Agency (NIA), on 27 September 2010, “illegally picked up and arrested Mr. Ningkhan Anthony Shimray, Head of the Foreign Affairs of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim-IM (NSCN-IM) from Kathmandu International Airport on the allegation that he was to procure arms to wage war against India.”
The NPMHR stated that Ningkhan Anthony Shimray was on his way to New Delhi on the invitation of the NSCN-IM leadership to participate in the Indo-Naga peace talks between the GOI and NSCN-IM which was scheduled to be held on September 29, 2010 at New Delhi.
The NPMHR went on to state that the NIA and other Indian State agencies in many other instances have since then arrested and attempted to apprehend key senior Naga leaders, even going to the extent of summoning leaders to the office.
“This attempt to isolate and segregate leaders who represent the aspirations of the Naga people for peace forces us to question whether the GOI has any sincere intent to enter into any solution,” the NPMHR has stated in its letter.
Telling the PM that Naga people have been patient; the letter stated that “we are persuaded that peace is the only win-win situation for both the Naga people as well as India.” “The dilatory tactics of the GOI and attempts to hinder any viable solution is harmful to all the stakeholders including the GOI,” the letter stated and urged the PM to expedite the peace process.
Further the NPMHR urged that political prisoners like Ningkhan Anthony Shimray be released immediately in the greater “interest of peace and respect for rights and dignity.” “Such act of goodwill will strengthen the Naga people’s desire for mutual respect and trust,” stated the NPMHR.
