NPMHR blasts militarisation
Source: The Sangai Express

Dimapur, August 07, 2013: Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has deplored the continuing dehumanisation of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) which the NPMHR said is rooted directly in colonial policy of suppressing peoples' movement.

The NPMHR made this statement today while expressing its disappointment over the continued extension of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) in Nagaland year after year.

It can be noted here that last month the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had informed the extension of the notification declaring Nagaland as a "Disturbed Area" under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 in the Gazette of India for a period of one year, with effect from June 30. "This extension has been made despite the prevailing congenial political environment with the steady progress of current political events in the background of ceasefires with major political groups (Naga underground organisations) and peace negotiations; and at a time when Nagas are seeking to achieve meaningful reconciliation for a peaceful approach to addressing common issues," the Naga rights group pointed out.

NPMHR feels that the continued extension of the DAA reflects a lack of political understanding on the part of the Government of India, which has failed to enable any confidence building mechanisms for a common concern.

"The NPMHR therefore deplores the continuing dehumanization of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of DAA which is rooted directly in colonial policy of suppressing peoples' movement," the Naga rights group stated.

The NPMHR then said that ever since India engaged the Naga people under these "terror laws" with an over-whelming presence of military personnel of all shades and sizes, who wantonly committed heinous atrocities and gross violation of human rights; and even took upon itself the role of social and developmental activities, the Naga experience has been one of political subjugation, economic exploitation and cultural assimilation.

"Another note of concern is the involvement of bureaucratic judgments, particularly in the sanctioning and involvement of legislations, which is totally opposed to the political will and reasons that is much required today," the NPMHR stated.

The NPMHR implore upon the present day Government of Nagaland to initiate an all-party discussion for immediate removal of the Disturbed Area tag which has been the "face of Nagaland" for as long as one can remember.

NPMHR also calls for a wider vigilant public response, not only in developing but also in orienting ourselves the implications of declaring our land as disturbed area.

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