Dimapur, June 7 : Naga Hoho has demanded the Centre to immediately repeal the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 from Naga areas, saying there is no space for such ‘draconian’ laws in any civilized society.
Expressing dismay at the ‘callous’ attitude of the government of India towards repeal of ‘infamous’ AFSPA in northeast particularly in Naga areas despite repeated appeals by Naga civil societies and human rights activists, the Hoho also urged the citizens to seriously consider the impact of the Act and in one voice stand for its abolishment for future security.
A statement issued by Media Cell, Naga Hoho pointed out that successive governments irrespective of political parties in Delhi remained as mute spectators ever since the enactment of the ‘draconian’ laws.
The Hoho also expressed surprise that RSS had openly declared their support for extension of AFSPA in northeast and Jammu & Kashmir.
“The policy of the RSS to support the Act speaks volumes of the hatred towards the genuine cause of the Naga people.”
The Naga Hoho reminded the RSS that, the Nagas’ struggle for self-determination cannot be equated with “terrorism” or “secessionist” as the GoI has recognized the uniqueness of Naga political history and further recognized the universal principle that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people.
“Both the GoI and the Naga people agreed to a settlement respecting the wishes of the people sharing the sovereign power and to establish a new relationship for an enduring and lasting relationship between the GoI and the Nagas. RSS and the leaders from mainland must know that rather in the true sense, the Indian Armies have been terrorizing the Naga people for more than six decades. Children and students are no exception in the eye of the Indian armies. In recent incidences, school going students were mercilessly shot dead and innocent students and public were tortured by the Assam Rifles.”
The Hoho maintained that there is an ongoing political negotiation and peace process between the GoI and the Naga people since the signing of Framework Agreement on 3rd August 2015.
The Naga Hoho felt that there is peaceful atmosphere in Naga areas now and that any policy that harms the atmosphere of trust and confidence would be too dear to all stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Naga Hoho also extended its unconditional support to Irom Sharmila, a civil rights activist from Manipur.
“It is easier to press the delete button than to face up to the reality of Irom Sharmila, who has been on a continuous hunger-strike since 2 November 2000, precisely sixteen years ago without a morsel going down her throat except the liquids force-fed her by doctors. The longest hunger-strike ever, anywhere in the world. Yet, her goal, the repeal of the Armed Forces Special Power Act, is still as distant as it was on that November day sixteen years ago when the senseless killing by the army of ten civilians waiting at a bus stop in Malom, Manipur.”
