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Our Correspondent
Kohima, Dec. 9 (EMN): A sit-in against the imposition of Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (Afspa) in the northeastern states was held in front of the Raj Bhavan in Kohima on Thursday.
It was organised by Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) under the aegis of North East Students’ Organisation (NESO).
NSF President, Kegwayhun Tep in his presidential address demanded that the draconian law be repealed once and for all and that human rights be restored in the homeland of the Nagas.
“It is this time of the year, where the entire Naga people come together from across all shadow lines and artificial boundaries to celebrate the ‘Festival of Festivals’, to celebrate our rich cultural heritage and identity as one Naga. It is the season of light, of hope, and healing through merrymaking, until the aggressors have revealed themselves once again unleashing terror and fear in the hearts and minds of the peace-loving citizens in the entire North East region”.
He added that a sit-in had been called in concerted coordination with the rest of the northeastern states under NESO to stand in solidarity with the victims of the Oting massacre and to demand the repeal of the Afspa in the Northeast region.
“The Government of India must immediately stop with its policy of militarisation of the Northeast region on the pretext of solving the Indo-Naga political issue through petty lip service,” said the NSF president.
The president maintained that the Federation would not shy away nor be cowered down by such acts of terrorism, while stating that the Federation had ‘always remained and will continue to remain utmost vocal and firm in action’ against any forces that threaten the existence, right, freedom and identity of the people.
“We are committed to take on any responsibilities to ensure that the future, hopes, dreams and aspirations of the younger generation of a better quality of life are fulfilled.
“For so long as the draconian Afspa continues to exist, our lives, our land and our people will always be tormented by fear and uncertainty and we will continue to live our remaining days, living and partly living, through this inhumane and cold winter of despair,” he said.
Furthermore, the Federation demanded that the Government of India set up a court-monitored committee to be headed by a retired Supreme Court or High Court Judge empowered to conduct an impartial probe into the matter and bring the culprits to justice immediately.
Repeal Afspa if GoI truly honours peace process — Ozukum
Meanwhile, the former NSF president, Chuba Ozukum delivering a solidarity message said the Afspa must be repealed if the government of India truly honours the peace process and a peaceful solution to the vexed Indo-Naga political talks.
“This inhuman law has lost its relevance in a civilised society and its applicability has no place in the modern world”, he said.
Ozukum maintained that the Act is not to maintain law and order in the region but to suppress the innocent people, and added that it is only a means to terrorise and create fear among innocent people.
“Nagaland state has been declared as peaceful, then what is the necessity to impose this most unwanted law in the region?,” he asked and stated that the imposition of Afspa has only proved the iron hand of India and militarisation against the Naga people.
“The past decades has proved beyond doubt that, through this demonic law many human rights have been abused and violated the fundamental rights of its citizens by the armed occupational forces. If India is trying to become a permanent member of the UN’s Security Council, first do away with outdated, draconian, imperialistic, aggressive, uncivilised, stone-aged Afspa. Afspa takes away one’s right to life”, said Ozukum.
The Government of India keeps on extending Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 in Nagaland every six months. The Act empowers security forces to conduct operations anywhere and arrest anyone on mere suspicion without any prior notice. The Central Government is of the opinion that “the area comprising the whole state of Nagaland is in such a disturbed and dangerous condition that the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary.
“It is unfortunate that the Government of India fails to take into account the ground reality but rather choose to dehumanize the Naga people by using the most inhuman Act”, he stated.
Meanwhile, the President of Eastern Naga Students Federation (ENSF), Chingmak Kumchuba Chang presented a ground zero report and condemned the incident by the 21 paramilitary that led to the killing of the innocent civilians.
“The incident seems to be a complete failure of the intelligence source and well calculated attempt on the innocent civilians and the incident cannot be termed as mistaken identity”, he said.
Chang stated that ‘it is time that the guardian (the prime minister) of the nation listens to what the people have to say, it is time that the Government of India notes the voice of the people- this Afspa must be repealed.’
Towards this, he maintained that Nagas must ensure to come together as one to fight for it.
On the occasion, effigies of the armies were also torched by the president of NSF and ENSF.