Kohima, September 14 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum on Wednesday stated that the Assam Rifles have suddenly moved into the Ukhrul District of Manipur in full force and occupied nine villages without the consent of the Naga village authorities.
In a press release issued through its media cell, the Forum stated that Assam Rifles have occupied peaceful villages belonging to the Tangkhul indigenous people who have rights to their lands and way of life guaranteed by the Indian constitution. “There are no anti-government activities going on there, nor law and order issues, nor anti-social problems. So Government of India owes an explanation for the unnecessary military intrusion in the lives of peaceful citizens,” it stated in the release.
According to the GNF, public spaces such as the playgrounds, schools, children homes and community halls are being used as camps thereby hindering their usual functioning.
“Private spaces have also not been spared as constructions are being undertaken on private properties with utter disregard for its ownership,” it added.
The GNF also said that security check posts have been set up and the villagers are subjected to scrutiny as they go about their daily lives. “This is not only an obvious discourtesy to the existing administration of the land but also a lack of consideration for the fears of the people,” it said while adding that women and children, especially, are subjected to the fears caused by this unwarranted situation.
“Furthermore, the elders, who have not recovered from their traumas caused by the violence of the armies in the past, are being subjected to it all over,” it added.
Underscoring that India is a constitutional democracy, and not a military dictatorship, the GNF went on to state that the military occupation of these villages would be defended as legally permissible under the 1958 Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).
However, it also underlined that Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution guarantees Nagas the right to their lands and customary laws. “So why is the Government of India acting in self-contradiction by sending armed forces to forcefully occupy peaceful Naga villages?” it questioned.
“What we see here is a government in opposition to itself when it comes to Nagas. And the result is that Nagas are put in a no-win situation vis-a-vis India,” it asserted.
“The Global Naga Forum questions the intent and purpose of the intensifying military build-up in Ukhrul district. We ardently appeal for immediate intervention by the Prime Minister and Home Minister if they are truly sincere in finding a non-military resolution of the Indo-Naga problem,” it further stated.
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