NPMHR urges PM
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 13 2013: With no honourable solution in sight after almost sixteen years of the Indo-Naga ceasefire, the Naga Peoples' Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) has sought Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh intervention in expediting an honourable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga peace talks and immediate release of all 'Naga political prisoners' .

In a representation to Dr Manmohan Singh, Dr Gina Shangkham, Secretary General of NPMHR pointed out that the Indo-Naga cease-fire and peace talks have been in process since 1997 .

The Naga people have, since then, been waiting patiently for a solution that will end the cycle of violence and bloodshed that Nagas have gone through before the onset of the Indo-Naga peace talks.

While also maintaining that Indian state forces and its various agencies are functioning in total impunity� going against the central spirit of the ceasefire in which Indian representatives arid Naga leaders collectively work toward an honourable solution for all concerned� the NPMHR representation cited the arrest of Head of the Foreign Affairs of the NSCN-IM Ningkhan Anthony Shimray by NLA on Sept 27,2010 from Kathmandu International Airport on the allegation that he was to procure arms to wage war against India as an instance.

Significantly, Ningkhan Anthony Shimray was on his way to New Delhi on the invitation of the NSCN-IM leadership to participate in the Indo-Naga peace talks between the GOI and NSCN-IM which was scheduled to be held on September 29, 2010 at New Delhi, the NPMHR highlighted.

Contending that the NLA and other Indian State agencies in many other instances have since then arrested and attempted to apprehend key senior Naga leaders, even going to the extent of summoning leaders to the office, the NPMHR representation said that the attempt to isolate and segregate leaders who represent the aspirations of the Naga people for peace forces them to question whether the GOI has any sincere intent to enter into any solution.

The Naga people, who are convinced that peace is the only win-win situation for both the Naga people as well as India have been patient, the NPMHR said while positing that the dilatory tactics of the GOI and attempts to hinder any viable solution is harmful to all the stakeholders including the GOI.

Urging the PM to expedite the peace process, it further pressed for the release of political prisoners like Ningkhan Anthony Shimray in the greater interest of peace and respect for rights and dignity while also adding that such acts of goodwill will strengthen the Naga people's desire for mutual respect and trust.

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