DIMAPUR, FEB 18 (MExN): The Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has expressed concern over what it termed as “forces both within and without trying to vilify and limit the initiative of the civil society groups working for democratization and just peace. The NPMHR in a press communiqué following its General Assembly held from February 16-18 cautioned vested interest elements that the civil and non violent approach of human rights movement across the world and in Naga Homeland should not be taken for granted in a fast globalizing and democratizing world.
“NPMHR appeal for understanding and critical solidarity among all national struggle formations for strengthening the political negotiation process for fulfilling the aspiration of Naga people”, it stated and resolved to intensify the dialogue with the people of India as part of the civil society initiatives to ensure accountability in the ongoing political process. NPMHR also expressed deep concern over the military operation in northwest Myanmar where innocent public become victims to state policy of militarization.
The General Assembly of the NPMHR was held at Dimapur from the 16th -18th February 2007 with participation from the Secretariat besides members from Delhi, Nagaland and South (Manipur state) sectors, it was informed.
The Meeting reviewed the continuing lobby works and monitoring processes for drawing the attention of international community on the plight of the Nagas and their continuing struggle for self-determination.
NPMHR Delhi updated the continuing campaign for repeal for AFSPA at the national capital apart from the international meetings such as Committee on World Food Security, Rome (Nov 2006), World Social Forum (WSF) 2007 in Nairobi and Asia Pacific Indigenous Youth Network meetings in Mali where NPMHR is participating. NPMHR Delhi and the Secretariat has been entrusted to gear up the international link through participation of various international processes within the United Nations such as the UNWGIP, UNPF, UNCHR and others process linking to national self-determination network across the Globe.
The other issues discussed and resolved included the disastrous impact of the use of land mine on innocents and the need for public awareness. NPMHR will also continue campaigns for unification of Naga homeland but will maintain non involvement in electoral politics. It expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland for establishing the Commission on Women and expects credible works on the part of the Commission members while extending NPMHR support; acknowledged the commitment given by the Government of Nagaland to investigate and book those involved in the alleged excesses committed by the Naga IRB in Chattisgarh; condemned the recent brutal mass killings of 7 Yimchunger community members and demanded serious investigation from the state government to ensure justice to the victims’ family and to restraint further occurrences of such senseless massacre; appealed for renewing the spirit of Naga brotherhood and restrain from intolerant attitudes and targeting of any particular community (ies).
NPMHR put on record appreciating the reconciliation process taken forward by NBCC amongst the Naga people besides expressing the need for an inclusive approach and broader involvement of different Churches in Naga Homeland; Strengthening Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact through proactive participation of NPMHR; Improve coordination amongst NPMHR members spread across the world; NPMHR to follow up Youth Dialogue process in Asia and concerns over children welfare.
It also expressed immense gratitude to the NEZCC and Arts & Culture department of Nagaland for their grant support which enable NPMHR to facilitate the peoples to people’s dialogue in the Northeast region through the program ‘Harmony through Culture’; which enabled NPMHR to reaffirm its commitment towards just and accountable process of Development, Health concerns such as the HIV + and AIDS, Women participation, environmental degradation and depletion of the rich ecosystem, and sustainable resource management and equity in benefit sharing to avert conflict generated by natural resource exploitation.
