Kohima, January 3 (MExN): The Global Naga Forum has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the Centre’s “violation of human rights in Nagaland through the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in the state, on December 31, 2021.”
In the open letter to the PM, the Forum’s Co-convenor Rosemary Dzuvichu and Secretary Prof Paul Pimomo stated that “the widows, children, and parents of the innocent Naga civilian young men murdered in cold blood by the Indian Armed Forces on December 4 and 5, 2021, in Mon district of Nagaland, are still in mourning,” and that the Indian government has taken no moral responsibility for the murders, nor tried to remove the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (1958).
It also addressed how the leaders of state governments in the region, including Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Manipur have appealed for the removal of AFSPA and said that the people and civil society of the region have long wanted AFSPA repealed.
“The Government of India is currently in negotiation with Naga political groups for a peaceful settlement of the Indo-Naga political problem going back to the year India herself became an independent nation from British rule. And, your answer as Indian Prime Minister to all these is to extend the Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Nagaland?” the letter stated.
The GNF went on to state that Modi would be seen as the prime minister who extended AFSPA, after the Oting ‘massacre,’ as a “New Year gift to the people of Nagaland.” Appealing to the PM’s conscience, the GNF expressed belief that “as long as there's life, there's hope for changing course for the better in the life of individuals and for nations.” We look forward to a peaceful future with government of India and in our homeland, it added.
