Condemns killing and suppression of dissenting Naga masses
3 February 2017, New Delhi
Following the events in Nagaland that has lately caught National and International attention, the Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) with its constituent tribal Units deeply alarmed and pained,met to take stock of the unfortunate,ugly and insensible turn of events back home in Nagaland state.
The episodes following the cold blooded killing of the two Naga youth and injuring many by the State and Central forces at the behest of the State Government and the consequent destruction of State (public) and “private” properties, was an unnecessary and avoidable outcome. The collateral damage in the destruction of properties by what may have been unleashed by a handful of misguided youth, was disproportionate to the three demands that were partially met – the Urban Local Bodies(ULB) elections being declared null and void. A decision the NSUD welcomes but could have come sooner than later.
The NSUD unequivocally condemns the killing and the State repression and suppression of dissenting Naga masses, while in the same breath decry the subsequent violence (not the intention) as equally condemnable because the democratic and legitimate demands could have been sought to have been met with sustained and peaceful means with tact, diplomacy and democratic forms of protests and demonstrations.
Because, violence of the sort we have seen then gives the State the longer end of the stick with even more powers at its disposal, to use brute force to justify or further its agenda or purported “Constitutional obligation” of conducting elections to ULB.
The NSUD appeals to the Duty Bearers of the State of Nagaland to never allow situations to come to such a passé in the future. No situation or circumstances, however grave they might be, warrant taking the lives of innocent and unarmed youth, who were merely expressing their democratic rights and aspirations as rights holders. It is but incumbent upon the democratically elected and conscientious leaders in the Government to have read the writing on the wall, and to proactively and purposefully engage with all stakeholders on issues that havereal or perceived ramifications.
The manner, haste and pace of the contents and processes leading upto the ULB elections and beyond, smacked of an ulterior motive or hidden agenda, even if there were none.
The Naga Students’ Union Delhi, join others in demanding speedy justice, fair compensation to the bereaved families of Eno.Khriesavizo Metha and Eno. Bendangnungsang Longkumer and a free, fair and unbiased inquiry.
NSUD is of the firm opinion, that emerging and long-term interests of Nagas are best served discussing unresolved issues internally without inviting forces and verdicts outside the Naga family, as it is a family matter which requires dialogue and constant adjustment from both the parties. And this is only plausible if the State and the various Naga Peoples’ Institutions provide enabling and facilitating spaces to a cross-section of Naga society, including women. In the absence of which, people feel constrained to resort to desperate measures, where the purported ends justify the means.
* This Press Release was sent to e-pao.net by Naga Students’ Union Delhi (NSUD) who can be contacted at nsu_delhi(AT)yahoo(DOT)com
This Press Release was posted on February 04 2017
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