DIMAPUR, JANUARY 25 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has welcomed the decision of General Niki Sumi and his “organization” to return to peaceful dialogue and have a ceasefire with the Government of India, stating that “the return of General Niki Sumi will strengthen the peace process.”
A press release from NMA President, Abei-Ü Meru and Secretary, Lochumbeni Humtsoe noted that “it would not have been an easy decision but this will also lighten the burden of the family and children that has been harassed on many occasions by government agencies.” The NMA further appealed to the Government of India to withdraw the bounty and ban for bringing enduring peace and a fruitful negotiation.
The NMA informed that the association’s Peace Team had reached out several times to them in Myanmar over the years for cessation of hostilities and coming forward for peaceful negotiations.
“We have been dedicated peacemakers and peace builders for peace in our Naga areas and reached out to all NPGs, irrespective of armed groups. The call for no more killings, ‘Shed No More Blood,’ has been the slogan we stood for to bring peace into our shattered land,” it stated.
The NMA meanwhile questioned the statement of the NNPGs in December 2020, “branding civil society organisations, including the NMA as being tutored by the NSCN (IM).”
“Naga women have been courageous voices for decades to stand up and question incidents of violence as well as meet all NPGs in efforts of an inclusive Peace. Generations of Naga women have contributed to nation building for the Naga cause. We have a clear stand on Naga rights and history and the need for peace has been an integral part of the NMA initiatives,” it said.
“Without respect for women’s contribution towards bringing peace, what kind of nation are we going to have?” the NMA further questioned. It asserted that the Naga nation “belongs to all of us and as Nagas by blood, we have risked our lives for years, searching for peace amongst our armed brothers as well as reaching out to the highest Indian authorities to bring an inclusive peace.”
It prayed that the New Year will usher in goodwill and peace amongst all those who profess and yearn for true peace. “Let God touch the hearts and minds of all Naga leaders to be united in ensuring we stand on the truth of our history and bring Just Peace and an equitable world for our children,” the NMA hoped.
