NISC for unconditional release of 'Naga political prisoners'
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Pamreiso Shimray
Ukhrul, September 28 2013 :
Naga International Support Centre (NISC) has urged New Delhi to make immediate and unconditional release of Naga political prisoners in the spirit of ongoing ceasefire that is now 16 years old.
In a release issued to the media on Saturday, the NISC stated, "� in the original spirit of the ceasefire and peace talks the Naga International Support Center urges the Government of India to release all Naga political prisoners unconditionally" .
Even after more than 16 years of Ceasefire between GoI and the Naga group, the NISC said "the negotiators (NSCN leaders) are practically under house arrest in their own country which is still, more than 60 years now, occupied by the Indian Armed Forces" .
"Naga leaders are arrested; charged with procuring arms and waging war against India.
They are being monitored wherever they go and their communication read, phone and internet is tapped" .
NISC also mentioned the case of Ningkhan Anthony Shimray who was arrested by the National Investigation Agency from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport on September 27, 2010."He was charged with procuring arms and waging war against Indian State.
The Nagas moved heaven and earth to secure his release but were instead further driven into the corner," it stated.
In an interesting polemical argument, The Netherlands based human rights group asked "�would you rather have Naga Intelligence arresting an Indian leader to charge him/her with the same as Shimray and Absalom are charged with?" .
Further, the group asserted that "The Naga leaders came to India on invitation of the Prime Minister of India with the aim to expedite the peace process, but over the years were gradually limited in their movements; Chief negotiator TH.Muivah could not travel to his place of birth and President Isak Chisi Swu, a year later could not reach his village" .
Sounding cautions to GoI, NISC said, "A cornered cat jumps unpredictably so, are you, the GOI driving at abrogation of ceasefire and abandoning the peace talks?"
On Friday, the National Agony Day was observed by the Nagas in certain parts of Naga inhabited areas.
In Ukhrul, the day was observed by launching a poster campaign to free all Naga political prisoners.