Dimapur, December 19 (MExN): Overseas Naga Association (ONA) and Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) have criticized the action of police at ACAUT public rally on December 15 in Dimapur, where tear gas, water cannon, and lathi charge were used to disperse the public protesting against corruption.
ONA in a press release stated the incident has brought deep sadness and dismay to the association. “Sadness that in our own lifetime Nagas have changed from an egalitarian society to a disconnected two-class society composed of a small, powerful rich elite and a huge majority of struggling working families and villagers; and dismay that Nagas in power would use force against their own people for peacefully protesting against corruption and injustice in our land,” added the release appended by ONA president, Visier Sanyü and secretary general, Paul Pimomo.
The ONA was bewildered as to how Nagas got to this point in our history. “From our noble struggle for self-respect and human rights to this moment of betrayal in which the normally opposed Overground and Underground elites have joined forces against the Naga people’s movement against corruption and unregulated taxation which have crippled progress.”
It further wondered who else may be responsible for this since corruption of the proportion that exists in Nagaland requires an intricate network to succeed. ONA meanwhile asserted that “ACAUT [and similar organizations] must win for the sake of our society.”
Wishing Merry Christmas to all in “our beloved homeland”, ONA hoped that 2017 will “bring new life to our people a fresh resolve for integrity on the part of every leader and a renewed vigor on the part of the people to do so themselves and to make that happen in public life.”
In a separate press note, WSH called the act of Dimapur Police at the rally “deplorable.” Such act, it stated, was a complete misuse of power by the State government and the Dimapur police. “On whosoever command they were acting is completely dictatorial and has no place in a democratic country. Instead of arresting the culprits and bringing justice, the government has completely lost confidence by shielding them and using suppressive methods to snuffle the voice of the people,” stated WSH president, Zheshito Swu and general secretary, Vikato K. Achumi.
Pointing out that the fundamental rights under the Indian constitution guarantee the right to assemble peacefully, the Hoho said the ACAUT rally in no way posed a threat to disturb the peace and tranquility. It further maintained that the clarification of the Addl. DCP and PRO that 144 CrPC was imposed due to the ongoing festive season does not hold any water or give any proper justification. “Festive season or not, the people’s fight for their rights can go on anytime and the excuse was a very poor one. Mere clarifications and justifications cannot heal the wounds and mental scar it had caused on the people...,” it asserted.
Meanwhile, WSH noted that the State government and the police have greatly invited the ire of the people on numerous occasions lately and the people’s sentiments have been greatly hurt by their acts. It pointed out the use of water cannons on teachers demanding their long pending salaries recently and termed it unfortunate and despicable act by the present government.
“Police officers should know the ethics of humanity no matter even when their higher-ups are ordering such unjust act to do,” it added. The Hoho further appreciated ACAUT for exposing the PDS rice and fuel adulteration scams and supported its fight against corruption, while appealing to every right thinking citizen to support the cause. It also applauded the Governor of Nagaland, PB Acharya for his concern on the massive corruption in the State and endorsing the CBI to investigate the PDS rice scam raised by ACAUT.
