DIMAPUR, JANUARY 31 (MExN): A group of concerned individuals have strongly objected to the construction of a war memorial in Mokokchung, build in memory of 357 Army and Assam Rifles personnel killed while fighting ‘insurgency’ in Nagaland state. The memorial is slated to be inaugurated on February 3, 2020.
A joint statement issued by 29 individuals on this said it was shocked and hurt by this “calculative insensitivity and decision executed by the Assam Rifles” and have demanded an inquiry if any informed consultation with the Naga people was taken in this regard.
Revisiting history, the statement recalled that the Indo-Naga protracted conflict, amongst the longest armed conflict in recent history, is because India government could not accept the simple but clear declaration of the Nagas’ desire to be left alone. Rather, in response, the Indian government’s full armed operation was launched in the Naga Hills and by 1955 a full scale war started.
It stated that the Indian security forces including the Assam Rifles invaded Naga-land in rampant violation of the people’s fundamental human rights, security and sovereign rights. “This severe asymmetrical conflict ensure that Naga vision and aspiration for their future as a separate, independent entity was suppressed. In the conflict, hundreds and thousands of Nagas were ruthlessly killed,” it stated.
The statement also pointed out that the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was introduced in 1958 to specifically deal with the Naga freedom movement. Ever since, every right thinking Nagas and the neighboring states have repeatedly demanded that the Act be repealed.
It also stated that Nagas are still waiting for justice, reparation and recognition for the atrocities Nagas have endured all these decades in the hands of the Army and the Assam Rifles.
At the same time, the statement also expressed regret for the loss of the Indian Army personnel on Naga soil while on duty in their attempt to quell the Nagas aspiration for freedom and said it is a history of tragedy, suffering and loss on both sides.
However, it strongly objected to the construction of the war memorial while stating that the Nagas are insulted with the dominant narrative and the lack of depth and understanding of the Indo-Naga crisis on the part of the Indian security force.
Stating that it does not want “our history distorted nor manipulated,” the statement hoped that the “great people of India will extend her support and understanding to our Naga struggle and position.”
