Hundreds participate in rally organised by Naga Students’ Federation in New Delhi

EM Bureau
New Delhi/Dimapur, June 11 (EMN): Hundreds of Nagas and well-wishers, who support the cause of Naga movement, participated in the “People’s Rally” organised by the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) in collaboration with the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi (NSUD), in New Delhi on Saturday.

Speaking at the rally, NSF president, Kegwayhun Tep said that ‘Nagas’ call for peace in its essence is simple; it is a prayer for harmonious and peaceful coexistence. It is a symbol of our inherent desire to pursue building peace, both within and outside’.

He said that Nagas’ call for peace is distinctive in nature yet not different from the universality of peace.

Citing the Mon killing incidents in December last year, he said the Indian armed forces continue to operate with impunity, disregarding all human values and virtues. He added that the price for peace cannot be paid in bloodshed and violence; lasting peace can only be brought through open dialogue with a deeper understanding of each other’s histories and mutual respect for each other’s differences.

Stating that there is only one Indo-Naga political issue and there will be only one solution, he called upon the government of India to honour its political commitment to the Nagas for an inclusive, honourable and acceptable settlement.

The General Secretary of Naga Hoho, K Elu Ndang, said that the Hoho had made it clear to the government India and the world that the Nagas are living in their ancestral land as a nation, which is given by God and had never consented to be a part of any nation.

He added that a mighty nation like India should not deny the existence and rights of other nations.

Speaking on behalf of Naga Mothers’ Association, Fabiola Chinir called for “recognition of our Naga Flag under which thousands have marched and laid down their lives and a working Constitution that will protect our Naga identity of social, cultural traditions and practices, basic Naga laws, our land and resources”.

It also reiterated their demand for the repeal of AFSPA in Naga homeland.

An update from NSF informed that representatives from various civil society organisations like Forum for Naga Reconciliation, Global Naga Forum, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights and others spoke at the event.

The rally concluded with a mass sloganeering. The NSF also submitted a representation to GoI, seeking urgent attention to the Indo-Naga political issue.