Naga women appeal to leaders to reconcile

Draws attention of the GOI on lack of development of Naga areas in Myanmar

Dimapur, Oct. 6 (EMN): Affirming its commitment to foster unity and peace and an end to war and violence, the Naga women peace delegation has appealed to the leaders to reconcile for the greater good of the Nagas and to ensure that the children and younger generation have a future of peace and prosperity in the days to come.

Recognising women as creators of peace, the Global Naga Forum (GNF), as part of its peace initiative, sponsored a seven member peace delegation of Naga women from different Naga areas to reach out to the government of India (GOI) in Delhi on the Naga peace process.

Prior to the Delhi meetings, the Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) leaders met both the top leaders of the NSCN (IM) and the NNPG in successive meetings at Dimapur and listened to both groups and shared women’s concerns for an inclusive and early peaceful settlement, an update from a member of the Naga women peace delegation, Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu, stated on Tuesday.

It stated that the Naga women peace delegation had called on the NSCN (IM) ato kilonser, Th Muivah and other top leaders of the negotiating party and collective leadership in Delhi to convey the concerns of Naga mothers and women to bringing an early and inclusive settlement to being peace into all the Naga areas. The call for an early settlement and a yearning for inclusive peace in all Naga areas was shared by women from different regions, the statement read.

The women peace delegation also attended meetings held with top officials of the government of India at Hotel Ashoka and later with the national security advisor, Ajit Doval, and the deputy national security advisor, Padsalgikar.

During the meetings, the women delegation discussed on the long drawn out peace process and the need for an early inclusive settlement.
The report also stated that a memorandum to the prime minister of India was submitted at the PMO secretariat through the national security advisor, Ajit Doval. It stated that at the high level meetings, the core issues for a meaningful and peaceful relationship between India and the Nagas were discussed as mentioned in the memorandum.

The women delegation also discussed on the integration of contiguous Naga traditional homeland and respect for the rights and history of the Nagas, be it in Nagaland, Manipur, Arunachal, Assam and Myanmar, which had been arbitrarily divided.

It stated that respect and recognition of the Naga flag, which is a part of the identity and long history of struggle was discussed in the meeting. It was conveyed that the demand for recognition of the Naga flag must be respected to ensure a permanent peace.

The delegation also highlighted on the Naga constitution, which would be a living document that reflects the values and philosophy and also protects its customs and traditions, land and resources from any form of exploitations, as well as the legal contentions on the Article 371 A vis a vis the oil and natural gas issues of state and central government that need further protection of their rights, land and resources.

The report also stated that the delegation had raised concerns on man-made borders and boundaries that have divided the Nagas and that the peace settlement should embrace their lineage and history and recognition of their rights beyond the international border of Myanmar. It sought that the settlement must be inclusive of all Naga political groups to enable the children to live in an environment free from war and violence and live in dignity as a people.

It further stated that several issues on the ground realities, which had been misinformed and misinterpreted to the GOI, were clarified by the women peace delegation during the discussions.

The delegation also drawn the attention of the GOI on the lack of development of Naga areas in Myanmar in terms of roads, infrastructure, health and educational facilities and that the peace settlement must take those concerns of the Naga brethren into account. It sought for development of border trade centres and opening of borders to ensure full participation and benefit the Naga people in the changing dynamics of peace.

The report also stated that top officials representing GOI as well as the national security advisor and the deputy national security advisor, in successive meetings, made it clear that the prime minister was committed to an early, inclusive settlement for peace and development of the Naga areas. It added that they have acknowledged the points laid down by Naga women and took cognisance of Naga mothers and women’s efforts towards peacemaking and peacekeeping and sought the cooperation of Naga women to ensure the road to an inclusive, peaceful settlement.

It stated that copies of the memorandum were also submitted to the union home minister and the defence minister offices in North and South Block respectively.

A meeting with GNF members in Delhi was also held to interact and share outcomes of the meetings with the GOI. The peace team also reached out to interact with Indian writers and activists on the Naga peace process.

Meanwhile, the Naga women peace delegation has expressed gratitude to all those who have continuously upheld them in prayers, the generous donors of the Global Naga Forum, friends and well-wishers for sponsoring the journey.

The seven-women peace delegation included president of Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) Abeiu Meru, president of Naga Women Union in Manipur Asha Wungnam, former Arunachal Civil Services and representative from Tirap district Yutan Sanya, former president of Rengma Students’ Union Guwahati and representative from the Rengma Hills Assam Miriam Rengma, former convenor of Naga People’s Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) Dr. Neikesanuo Sorhie, former convenor of NPMHR Delhi Ningreichon Tungshang, and advisor of NMA Prof. Rosemary Dzuvichu.