DIMAPUR, SEPT 19 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today issued a statement expressing concern over some of the recent developments taking place in the State.
Issued by Nepuni Piku Secretary General, NPMHR Secretary, Dr. Lanusashi Longkumer Convenor, NPMHR Nagaland sector, and Phamring Anal Co-convenor, NPMHR South sector, the statement lamented the incident of suspected drunken driving leading to collision between a Tuensang bound passenger bus and a Bolero belonging to ADC (J) Mokokchung, Khalong, near Garampani, Karbi Anglong (Assam) on the 15th of September 2005. It denounced the unimaginable rage perpetrated on the innocent passengers by the officer’s two armed bodyguards who were also said to have been in an inebriated condition alike the said official. The incident saw the killing of Peter Yimchungru, a churchperson (CASA) and causing severe injury to the bus conductor besides creating a siege causing immense mental and emotional trauma to the innocents. The NPMHR condemned the abuse of power and demanded that a detailed, impartial and judicious enquiry be undertaken by the State government so that future recurrence of such abusive rage is contained.
The NPMHR also expressed its sympathy and solidarity with the family of the deceased and contended ex-gratia payments would not be sufficient enough unless the scourge of abusive power by public servants was checked along with appropriate penalty.
Observing the frequent incidences of waylaying and arbitrary killings of innocent civilians by miscreants, the Naga rights vanguard averred that it was high time that the State Government initiate appropriate measures to restore the confidence of the people by removing the feelings of alienation through prompt and rational actions such as improving communication facilities and prudent monitoring of development projects/targets.
It also took serious note of the incident of the killing of Leidilhoulie Yhome, a four year old from Kohima Village by his own father in the presence of the deceased child’s step-mother on September 5, 2005. “This contemptible incident reflects the emerging attitudes and often abusive treatment of many (a) parent to their helpless innocent children behind the closed door in our present day Naga society” stated the NPMHR while adding that the State government and the community have the responsibility of educating and promoting ‘the rights of children’ and it being a part of basic human rights enjoyed by children around the globe.
Furthermore, the NPMHR appreciated the State’s agencies for initiating public consultations on different sectors of socio-economic, political and cultural life to ascertain the needs and choices of the Nagas.
It, however, added that consultations have to go beyond symbolism to a more vigorous,democratic process which would allow more space for peoples’ participation on various areas affecting them. It also took note of the recent eviction drives undertaken by various State agencies to remove illegal encroachers from Government-owned land. The NPMHR appealed to the government to initiate a study on the issues of employment, retrenchment and rehabilitation pertaining to the past State-run projects which have run into difficulties besides, the imperative need to put into place a clear cut policy on the issue of ‘internally displaced persons/peoples’ issues caused by relocation of rightful land tillers/owners in the larger interest of the public. It cited the instance of large infrastructure-developmental projects, ‘so that livelihood issues regarding those displaced are attended to reduce humanitarian crisis which regenerates conflict’.
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