Military build-up in Ukhrul district flayed
Source: Chronicle News Service / Newmai News Network

Imphal, September 14 2022: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has strongly condemned the alleged occupation of nine Naga villages in Manipur by Indian armed forces and questioned the intent and purpose of intensifying military build-up in Ukhrul district.

Seeking immediate intervention from the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the union home minister on the matter, the GNF asked both the PM and the home minister if they are sincere enough in finding a non-military solution to the Indo-Naga problem.

According to a statement of GNF, the Assam Rifles has suddenly moved into Ukhrul district in full force and occupied nine villages without the consent of the Naga village authorities.

The nine villages belong to the Tangkhul indigenous people and they have the rights to their lands and way of life guaranteed by the Indian Constitution.

With no anti-government activities, law and order issues or anti-social problems in the area, the Government of India owes an explanation for the unnecessary military intrusion in the lives of peaceful citizens, the GNF said.

The GNF statement further said that people familiar with the Indian government's treatment of the Nagas know that the military occupation of these villages will be defended as legally permissible under the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

But the same people also know that Article 371(A) of the Indian Constitution guarantees Nagas the rights to their lands and customary laws.

So, why is the Government of India acting in self-contradiction by sending armed forces to forcefully occupy peaceful Naga villages, the GNF said.

On one side, India is violating its own law (Article 371-A) and on the other hand India is enforcing another law (AFSPA) that takes away the same right, in clear violation of Naga people's basic human rights, the GNF statement said.

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