Dimapur, September 17 (MExN): Clearly embarrassed that “certain unhealthy debate are emerging from ‘some Naga underground group’” simply for the sake of opposing other groups, the Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) today issued a response elucidation the term ‘Indigenous People.’
The NMPHR stated that such ‘debate’ is not healthy for the Naga political movement in any way. So to restrain the debate from going ‘out of the way,’ a clear picture of the Naga people’s position as one of the Indigenous People of the world is given “without embarrassing ourselves in the face of other Indigenous peoples”….
“…for the sake of our people, who should not be drawn into further confusion, as we are already way above our share of mistrust and confusions” an exasperated NPMHR added.
The NPMHR reminded that when the UN declared year 1993 as the International Year of the World’s Indigenous People, defining who Indigenous People are, NPMHR initiated a series of debates and discussions amongst the Nagas over the contents of the draft from January 1993 till March 1993. People from various and different walks of life participated. Following this, a position paper on Nagas as Indigenous People with a draft entitled “Nagas in the International Year of the World’s Indigenous People – A Prerogative” was finalized. It was then submitted to the UN through the Asian Indigenous Peoples Pact in May 19, 1993 at Chiang Mai in Thailand, with a decision that Nagas too would celebrate the year in proud partnership with the other Indigenous Peoples of the world.
In this regard, the NPMHR and the Naga Students Federation formed an Action Committee, with various other committees and toured the length and breadth of Naga areas, conducting awareness programs and holding seminars at various educational institutions in Nagaland at that time. This year-long partnering by the Nagas with other Indigenous peoples of the world culminated with the historic celebration of the Naga Week held December 1-5, 1993, in Kohima.
“Ever since, Nagas have been actively participating in the deliberations of the United Nations both in the Working Group and Permanent Forums on Indigenous peoples and issues, which are held every year at Geneva and New York respectively” the NPMHR reminded.
It pointed out that the submission of the NPMHR clearly states “Our case is different and distinct in itself while the problems of most of the other indigenous peoples relate to recognition of their rights within nation states and they seek (redress) of their problems with Governments concerned, our case is an indigenous people under forced occupation and seeking recognition of their right of place as a sovereign state.”
The NPMHR also enclosed the draft submission of ‘The Nagas in the International Year of the World’s Indigenous Peoples: A Prerogative.’
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