Dimapur, April 17 (MExN): The Naga Solidarity Group cautions the Government of India and “any Naga group” against making attempts at any policy aimed at systematic, ethnic cleansing of any Naga tribe. Also, with sovereignty as the focus, all Naga groups should resolve their differences through peaceful means maintaining the focus on sovereignty, for the fact that all of the groups have contributed to “the problem,” costing the people dearly.
A press communiqué, from 31 signatories, received here from the NSG highlighted three critical points: GOI’s “insincerity,” the ‘ethnic cleansing’ and the need for all Naga groups to attempt at solving differences through peaceful means on the basis of the singular focus – sovereignty.
The NSG held what it stated is the GOI’s “insincerity,” the germinating point of instability and escalating violence. “The Indian state has not steadfastly addressed Naga people’s sovereignty which is shown in its insincerity to tackle Nagas’ human and political rights. This is now the germinating point for further instability and escalating violence for which the Indian government will be held solely responsible” it stated. It held view that even after 10 years of ceasefire and political talks between the India and Nagaland, the GOI has failed “to win the confidence of the world community.”
The NSG also expressed intolerance for any acts of ‘intentional and needless discrimination.’ Consistent with the United Nations resolution against systematic annihilation of any ethnic group or race, the NSG strongly opposed any policy aimed at ‘ethnic cleansing’ of any Naga tribe. “This resolution applies to both the Indian state and any Naga group that is responsible for ‘ethnic cleansing’, as they will be brought before the International Criminal Court” it reminded.
The NSG also acknowledged that “all Naga groups” have committed serious mistakes. These mistakes have cost the people dearly and forgiveness should be from those who have been wronged. “Over time, all Naga national groups have contributed to the problem by making serious human mistakes which have cost the people dearly. These groups are asked to initiate corrective steps and to seek forgiveness from those whom they have wronged” it advised with the reminder that sovereignty for the Naga people must remain the focus. “In order to legitimize the Naga political rights in the world community, Naga national groups are encouraged to resolve their differences through peaceful means all the while maintaining this focus” the NSG stated.
