Naga Hoho and Naga Mothers’ Association condemn killing

Dimapur, July 17 (EMN): The Naga Hoho (NH) and the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) have strongly condemned the action of the 6 Assam Rifles for the killing of six Naga army belonging to the NSCN/GPRN on July 11 at Nginu village in Arunachal Pradesh, while they were asleep in a hut.

While condemning the incident, the two organisations stated that the act was a blot on the sincerity and accountability of India to peace and demonstrated that it had not understood and recognised the political basis of the peace talks with the Naga groups. It added that the existence of ceasefire in the Naga areas has lost its relevance as the Indian armies continue to perpetuate violence and killings.

The two organisations have asked the government of India to come out with clarity pertaining to the coverage of ceasefire without further procrastination.

While it mourned the lives of young Naga heroes, it has appreciated the government of Nagaland, the Home minister in particular for clearance of movement permit for their last journey home and for facilitating the return of the dead bodies to be buried in their respective villages as per their request. It also thanked the government of Manipur for the same.

The organisations have also thanked the chairman of the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) for his co-operation, guidance, and assistance, Longding district administration and police of Arunachal Pradesh for their assistance. It also thanked the individuals and organisations including the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), Dimapur Naga Students’ Union (DNSU), Kuki Inpi, United Naga Council (UNC), Naga Women Union (NWU), All Naga Students’ Association Manipur (ANSAM), Tangkhul Naga Long (TNL), and Tangkhul Union Dimapur (TUD) for their efforts to ensure the mortal remains of the deceased return home. It also appreciated the people in Arunachal, Assam, civil society and activists, who stood by them during the difficult time. It further acknowledged the Naga Council Dimapur for preparing the burial place at Old Naga Cemetery.

The two organisations also thanked Naga men and women, families, and churches for their ceaseless prayer during the critical days. It mentioned that they experienced hardship one after another while striving to bring back the mortal remains as various agencies tried to sabotage the handing over of dead bodies to the families.

It appealed to all warring groups to exhibit utmost care and respect even to enemies on humanitarian ground and to uphold the laws as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 pertaining to treatment of dead bodies.

It stated that the five days of solidarity and support was a testimony that the Nagas, even in times of brokenness, remained steadfast to their collective history and future. It hoped that the people would continue to repair the broken relationships and walk towards healing and a common destiny.

Meanwhile, the two organisations conveyed condolences to the families of Somaya Shatsang, Ashak Wangsha, Somipam Shaiza, Sawang Pansa, Lentsuba Lalii and Paogouhao Lhangum. It further prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.