DIMAPUR, JULY 23 (MExN): The Naga Mothers Association (NMA) has submitted a representation to the Nagaland Chief Minister, Neiphiu Rio in relation to a variety of issues ranging from the extension of the Disturbed Areas Act and the dog meat ban to the State Governments’ employee self declaration form and financial irregularities.
‘Repeal AFSPA’
NMA President, Abei-U Meru and Secretary, Lochumbeni Humtsoe protested the extension of the Disturbed Area Act (DAA) and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State once again, in the midst of the ongoing peace process.
It urged the Government to protect the people’s right to peace and security, without such draconian laws, and sought repeal of AFSPA for a fruitful, peaceful conclusion of the Naga Political issue.
Protests dog meat ban
With regard to the ban on sale of dog meat, the NMA said that “dog meat is a traditional delicacy among many tribes in the state, used for medicinal purposes, sportsmen of traditional wrestling for strength, pregnancy and childbirth and lactating mothers as nutrition.” It further said that “most sellers of dog meat are poor women.”
It lamented that the Government has not made any strong efforts to sensitize public with campaigns on taking care of pet dogs, avoiding cruelty to animals or risks of rabies and instead resorted to this blanket ban.
While not endorsing cruelty to animals, it opined that “banning certain food that is an inherent part of culture of certain tribes is objectionable.” It therefore called for revoking the ban and the state to start a campaign on sensitizing against animal cruelty, while installing proper mechanisms for checking rabies on public sale of such meat.
Concerned by State Govt order
It further expressed concern on the State Government’s directive for government servants to declare relations in Naga political groups and said that the order is “bereft of historical understanding, that the Naga struggle began with a male volunteer from every Naga family to join the movement.” “Till today this exists in many Naga villages and families, with or without the active consent of family members,” the NMA stated.
The NMA said that the credibility of government servants who have decided to earnestly work for the betterment of the State cannot be questioned at this stage of an ongoing peace dialogue and called for revocation of the order.
Accountability for corruption
Meanwhile, the NMA urged the State leadership to take cognizance of serious financial and procedure irregularities highlighted in the public domain and sought the CM’s intervention to address issues of corruption within governance systems.
“Unless there is strict accountability, the future looks bleak,” the NMA said and expressed support to any action that seeks to bring accountability in governance systems. It further suggested that the “Lokayukta Act be revisited with more powers.”
The NMA meanwhile thanked all frontline workers fighting the COVID-19 pandemic and asked the State Government to render all help and assistance to them.
It also called for strategies to generate employment to the returnees as well as the thousands of unemployed youth.
