Kohima, March 23 (MExN): The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has urged the Naga political leaders to “uphold the principles of reconciliation and create an environment of trust and better understanding for the greater good of the Naga people.”
In its message during the 43rd Republic Day celebration at Hebron headquarters, the NMA stated that though the history of the Naga Political struggle has been fraught with so much sacrifices and pain, the spirit of patriotism has kept burning, all these decades.
“We acknowledge your dedication to the Naga cause and support the peace negotiations, because we believe our children deserve to live in peace. We urge our leaders here to uphold the principles of reconciliation and create an environment of trust and better understanding for the greater good of the Naga people,” it said.
The NMA lamented that “Our enemies have watched us for years as we wallowed in our disunity and bloodshed,” while adding that it is time for the Naga people “to rise as true warriors, like our ancestors, with dedication and commitment and work towards a sustainable peace and an honourable future.”
As mothers, sisters, wives and daughters, we have walked beside our brothers, our men in the belief that one day Nagas will be together and live as one people, beyond the imposed borders of our beautiful lands, it added.
While acknowledging the services of women national workers, the NMA also underscored that the land continues to be threatened by militarization and the people bear the deep scars of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act and continue to live traumatized lives without seeing justice. “We urge our brothers here, our leaders to support our demand for the repeal of the AFSPA in our Naga areas with the govt of India,” it said.
It also urged for recognition of Naga women's rights to equality, peace and security and called for Peace and respect amongst brothers while adding that there must be a meeting of all leaders, inclusive of all NPGs, at the earliest.
Further, the NMA stated that the Naga people’s dream of a fair and free Naga homeland continues to inspire so many. However, it noted that there is a generation of Nagas who are a “disillusioned by the selfish interest, infighting amongst our own, undue harassments, our gun culture which is destroying Naga patriotism in our youth.”
It went on to state that “our children should be allowed to live in a world that is free from fear and threats, guns and deaths,” while praying for God's mercy and forgiveness for all the wrongs committed.
“May we see soon, true Peace, respect for Naga rights and history and the coming together of all our brothers and to uphold our Naga tradition of Peace making that continues to exist as an integral part of our Naga culture,” it added.
