Naga women bodies seek Ningkhan Shimray's release
Source: The Sangai Express / Newmai News Network

Imphal, August 19 2015: As part of the Naga Women's Union (NWU) campaign for the release of Ningkhan Anthony Shimray and all 'Naga political prisoners,' a public assembly was held on Wednesday in Ukhrul, Senapati, Chandel and Tamenglong districts.

A memorandum signed by women organisations representing 16 tribes was submitted to the Prime Minister of India for the release of Ningkhan Anthony Shimray.

St Ruth (president, Anal Sinnu Ruwl), Y Tabitha Chottu, (president, Chothe Sanulim), B Shanti (president, Inpui Naga Women), R Themsosin (Kharam Women's Union), SN Bongnung (president, Lamkang Snu Lop), Lolia Lucy (president, Mao Naga Women Welfare Association), Kanga Regina (president, Maram Women's Union), M Toshelpha (president, Maring Napuiya Yinglam), Lucy Ngiiriiti (president, Monsang Sanuw Ruh), W Phanitin Moyon (secretary, Moyon Sanuw Ruwrkheh), SK Tabitha (president, Poumai Noutumai Me), Ringluiwon (president, Tangkhul Shanao Long), K Choirita (president, Tarao Chotnu Yurei), Y Julie (president, Thangal Sanui Jonlong) and Lungniliu (president, Zeliangrong Women Union) were the signatories.

The Naga women, representing the voices and aspirations of mothers, daughters and sisters of 16 tribes, urged the PM to release all 'Naga political prisoners' .

The women bodies highlighted to the PM that Anthony Shimray is the head of the foreign affairs of NSCN-IM, who is presently lodged in Tihar Jail and has been undergoing trial in Patiala Court from 2010 .

He was picked from Kathmandu International Airport on September 27, 2010 by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) when he was en route to New Delhi to participate in the Indo-Naga peace talk between the GOI and NSCN-IM which was scheduled to be held on September 29, 2010 at New Delhi, the memo stated.

The memorandum then asserted that Ningkhan Anthony Shimray is a man committed to peace and has actively participated in the Indo-Naga Peace talk.

He was keen to resolve the Indo-Naga conflict and had attended at least 7 rounds of peace-talks with the GOI at New Delhi and abroad demonstrating his commitment to peace and dialogue, it added.

"With the inking of a new relationship with the Naga people we appeal that Ningkhan Anthony Shimray and every Naga political prisoner be immediately released to give strength and meaning to the Peace Framework," the memorandum said.

"We reiterate that we have trust in your leadership and that you will immediately intervene and take positive action and release every Naga political prisoners," it further said.

The memorandum then expressed its deep appreciation to PM for his political wisdom and his leadership in bringing the Peace Framework of the August 3, 2015 which is expected to usher the long desired peace in the region.

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