NWU lines up sit-in-protest
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network
Imphal, September 08 2014:
The Naga Women's Union (NWU) is organising a sit-in-protest in all the four Naga districts on September 9 from 11 am to 1 pm to register a strong protest against the 'unabated assault' on the rights of the Naga people and tribals by the Government of Manipur with the 'sole motive' of keeping them under perpetual suppression.
The NWU in a press release said the recent senseless act of killing two persons namely Mayopam Ramror and Ramkashing Vashi in Ukhrul, injuring 34 civilians, damaging about 15 private vehicles, snatching mobile phones and money by the Manipur police commandos and IRB men at Ukhrul on August 30 manifest the prejudice and intolerant policy of Manipur Government.
The two surviving wives of the deceased have to bear the tragic death of their husbands who are both in advanced stages of pregnancy.
Following the incident, the UNC has indefinitely banned vehicular traffic on National and State highways, and construction works on National Projects from 6 am of September 4 .
"It has been more than 50 days since 144 CrPC was imposed in Ukhrul.
Despite the consistent demand to revoke the same the Government of Manipur has refused to pay heed.
Instead of listening to the voice of the people and addressing the grievances and concern of the people, the State Government continues with its militarization policy of the Naga areas.
This belligerent attitude of the Government of Manipur, with Government of India as a bystander is condemnable," the press release of NWU stated.
It expressed "At stake is our rights, dignity and life.
The Naga women demand for an immediate intervention by the Prime Minister of India for the withdrawal of the Section 144 CrPC from Ukhrul and cessation of militarisation of Naga areas" .
The NWU also demanded that the Indo-Naga peace process be expedited for an acceptable and honourable settlement.
It further demanded for taking forward the tripartite talk process for alternative arrangement, pending a final settlement of the Indo-Naga issue.
The NWU finally demanded the intervention of the Prime Minister for ensuring that the Government of Manipur does not subvert the Constitutional rights and protections of the tribals and Nagas in all spheres � educational, employment, ownership of land and natural resources and development opportunities.
The NWU also appealed to all who believe in justice and democracy to participate in the programme to raise their voices against the acts aimed at keeping the Naga people and the tribals under perpetual deprivation and subjugation.