Dimapur, April 8 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly condemned the “continued extrajudicial drone strikes” targeting civilian populations in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ) in Myanmar, allegedly carried out by the Indian Army, and called for an immediate international investigation.
The GNF said a drone attack on Khammaoi Village on April 6 resulted in the destruction of a thatched house, narrowly sparing the lives of an elderly man and his grandchild who were inside. It said three drone bombs were deployed in and around the same location, which it described as reflecting “a clear intent to inflict harm and instill fear among civilians.”
The forum said the latest incident must be seen as an escalation of a devastating drone strike on the same village in October last year, which claimed the lives of a 27-year-old student and a 7-year-old child, while several others, including a 10-year-old boy, sustained serious injuries.
“The recurring pattern of targeting unarmed civilians under the cover of darkness reflects a grave and unacceptable abuse of military power,” the GNF said in a statement issued by its Media Cell.
The forum said the attacks violated international humanitarian law and fundamental human rights, and called for an immediate halt to all forms of violence, particularly the indiscriminate use of drone warfare against non-combatants.
Reiterating its appeal for the second time, the GNF urged the United Nations, relevant international human rights bodies and the Government of Myanmar to condemn the violations, initiate an independent and time-bound international investigation, ensure accountability of those responsible and take concrete measures to prevent further attacks on civilians.
The GNF said it stood in solidarity with the Naga people in Myanmar, particularly the residents of Khammaoi Village, in their demand for safety, justice and recognition of traditional authorities in safeguarding civilian life and ancestral Naga territories.
