NSF and organizing committee officials addressing the press conference in Kohima on December 15. (Morung Photo)
Our Correspondent
Kohima | December 15
The Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) is organising a ‘Peoples’ Rally’ for repeal of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 on December 17 at Old MLA Hostel Junction, Kohima from 11:00 am onwards.
“We are anticipating that this (Rally) would be one of the largest Naga gathering in the history,” said NSF president Kegwayhun Tep while addressing a press conference here this evening.
He called upon all the Naga citizens to come forward and show their solidarity and support for the cause. Tep also sought the support of Kohima based civil societies, students and all the residents of Kohima to partake in the rally.
“We are holding this rally against the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act with special emphasis on the Oting incident,” said organising committee convener Vipopal Kintso.
Stating that Nagas have been suffering for long under AFSPA, Kintso said “It is high time for India to repeal this draconian act.” He went on to say that the Nagas are fed up of living under AFSPA, and questioned “How long can our people be treated as sub humans?”
He made a clarion call to all Kohima denizens to come forward to openly voice out their concern and show solidarity.
Kintso informed that right after the rally; the people will proceed towards Governor’s office (Raj Bhavan) in procession and hand over a representation to Government of India through the Governor’s office.
The rally will be absolutely peaceful, Kintso asserted.
Organizing committee member Neizokhoto Belho requested the students especially the higher secondary level to come in their uniforms and the citizens to put on at least one item of traditional clothing.
During the rally various organizations will speak including the Angami Public Organization, Prof. Rosemary Dzüvichü, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation, North East Students’ Organization, Global Naga Forum, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and Forum for Naga Reconciliation.
Keynote address will be delivered by NSF president.
