Dimapur, December 14 (MExN): ‘Parliamentarians for National Self-Determination’ (PNSD) marked International Human Rights Day 2007 on December 10 by calling upon the international community to put human rights at the heart of policy making and to adopt self determination as a key driver to resolve conflicts in a democratic and peaceful manner, in accordance with international law. A press note received here and issued by Ranjit Singh Srai, Administrative Secretary, PNSD informed that a number of resolutions were adopted on the occasion with particular attention being focused on the need to respect human rights which was acknowledged as “critical to achieving security, dignity and prosperity for all the nations and peoples of the world”. Human rights defenders were praised for their courageous efforts and a call was made for the effective punishment of those who have carried out massive violations as a matter of state policy, it was stated.
Speakers presenting the perspective of Kosovo, the Kurds of Turkey, the Nagas, Kashmiris and the Sikhs set out how their peoples have suffered gross violations and been denied fundamental freedoms enshrined in international law and why they now sought international support for a peaceful resolution of those conflicts.
Alex Salmond MSP and MP, First Minister of Scotland, in a message to the organisers wished the event success. “Given the progress of the Scottish National Party, the successful independence of Montenogro and the imminent creation of an independent Kosovo, it is obvious that the right of self-determination has a key role to play in international affairs in the years ahead and PNSD shall continue to promote that right as a collective human right which offers a unique means of enhancing democratic values”, the press note stated.
It was further informed that the Naga delegation, which had traveled from the Naga homeland, included a cultural troupe whose superb rendition of freedom songs was warmly received. “The cultural distinctiveness and “unique history” of the Naga Nation has been recognised by India itself but the Indo-Naga conflict is no nearer settlement despite ceasefires and formal talks which have continued for some ten years”, the PNSD stated. The PNSD Naga Advisory Panel’s position paper entitled ‘Nagalim’ was also officially launched at the event. It was informed that this will be distributed within the UK Parliament and beyond to apprise policy makers of the historic Naga struggle and its current status.
