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Dr Rosemary Dzüvichü addressing the workshop on ‘Human rights and the use of law in Nagaland’ held at Nagaland University, Kohima campus on February 15. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Kohima | February 15
Subjects on NRC, CAA, RIIN, land acquisition, women, children and health & environment related issues relevant and important to the state of Nagaland were deliberated during a workshop on “Human rights and the use of law in Nagaland” organized by Human Rights Law Network in collaboration with Naga Mothers Association (NMA) and Nagaland University Teachers Association (NUTA) on February 15 here at the Nagaland University, Kohima campus.
Prominent among them, Dr. Colin Gonsalves, senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India & founder HRLN put across the attendance the importance of land and identity of the indigenous tribal which now poses as a huge threat in the face of Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 and Look East Policy.
For the state of Nagaland which he asserted will be flooded by 'economic migrants.' Towards this the advocate said, while government will lure the public with investment and economic benefits, he clearly maintained that the government is not interested in the protection of land and identity of our people rather exploitation and disappearance through commercial greatness and tribal identity being constantly undermined. He added that our own leaders cannot be trusted.
“Ten years from now, Nagaland will be unrecognizable,” he maintained and also posed the danger that the Democratic country will ever Democratic or not. He urged the state, students, civil societies and concerned people to continue the fight against CAA adding this will contribute to help India in remaining tribal.
On the question of the proposed RIIN, Dr Rosemary also questioned the concept of what Citizenship is; what Citizenship of women married outside her tribe is. She noted that a long open deliberation and public opinion is required even while also drawing out the modalities.
Earlier, Dr Rosemary Dzüvichü, Professor NU, President, CEC, NUTA and Advisor NMA and Dr. Colin Gonsalves, Senior Advocate, Supreme Court & Founder HRLN shared the purpose of this workshop.
Kegwayhun Tep, Education Secretary, Naga Students' Federation (NSF) and Rhilo Mero President Nagaland University Students Union spoke on the National Registers of Citizens (NRC), Citizenship (Amendment) Act and Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN).
Joshua Sheqi, Advocate spoke on Land Acquisition. Violence and discrimination against women was taken up by Angela Yhome, a member of village council in Kohima Village and Secretary Tenyimia Women Organization.
During the panel, Asha Sanchu, Director Miqlat Ministry dealt with trafficking/ sex work and the law; Defend the defenders by Gwanphung, Civil Rights Forum; Child related issues in Nagaland by CHILDLINE, Kohima; on Right to Education by Kezhosano Kikhi, Nagaland State Legal Services Authority project coordinator.
In the afternoon session, Dr Rosemary gave elaborate presentation on the struggle for human rights in Nagaland, women reservation in Nagaland and corruption in Nagaland. Abou Mere, Director, Kripa Foundation and Neiteo Koza State Coordinator, HRLN, Nagaland gave insights on HIV and the use of law and Lucy Wungleng gave personal sharing of PLHIVs.
On environment destruction and climate change, Advocate Olivia Bang, Director HRLN, Meghalaya Mining Case and Dr Temsulemba, Professor, Nagaland University gave their presentation. During the concluding session, Dr. Colin Gonsalves took the plan of action for doing fact findings, campaigns and on the importance of Public Interest Litigation.
