Indo-Naga talks: NPMHR bats for third-party intervention
Source: Chronicle News Service / R Lester Makang

Ukhrul, November 17 2024: Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) secretary general Neingolu Krome has underlined the growing the need for third party intervention to break through the vexed Indo-Naga political talks.

Briefing the media in Ukhrul town on November 15, Krome expressed concern over the Government of India's lack of commitment to the peace process even after 27 years of negotiations, alleging that despite earlier agreements, including a ceasefire entered in 1997, the Indian government has repeatedly failed to uphold its promises.

"The Government of India continues to retract on its commitments regarding the Indo-Naga dialogue," he stated, indicating that this trend has created a situation where third-party mediation is now essential for ensuring accountability and progress.

Reflecting on the historical context, Krome noted that calls for third-party involvement were set aside at India's request during the initial stage of the ceasefire, as India positioned itself as the world's largest democracy.

"However, after nearly three decades, it appears the Government of India is not as committed as it should be.

It is downgrading the peace talks and reneging on its promises, making third-party intervention a necessity," he said.

Krome warned of the potential breakdown of the ceasefire and urged both parties to maintain a dignified dialogue.

He called for the Government of India to adhere to its commitments and for the interlocutors to act responsibly.

He also pointed to a meeting convened by the Nagaland government in September this year, where civil society organisations advocated for a full-time interlocutor with the authority to make decisions independently.

"The present interlocutor is not living up to the expectations," he contended, noting that his role is being hindered by bureaucratic delays as he often has to seek approval from higher authorities before making decisions.

In line with the "Save the Peace" initiative, which the NPMHR has promoted for the past three years, Krome reiterated the importance of peace for future generations, stating: "This peace movement is not just for the Nagas but for India as a whole".

He expressed hope that the Indian government would become more sensitive to the on-going issues faced by the Naga people, amidst a backdrop of human rights violations.

Attending the press briefing, United Naga Council (UNC) general secretary Vareiyo Shatsang, Naga Women Union (NWU) president Priscilla Thiumai and Tangkhul Shanao Long (TSL) president Thingreiphi Lungharwo also voiced the collective concerns regarding the continued imposition of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) and scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR) in Naga regions.

"We oppose any barriers and do not recognize the so-called Indo-Myanmar border," Vareiyo Shatshang declared, stressing that there should be no border fencing in Naga-inhabited areas.

The UNC firmly opposes the construction of walls and fences, he said, and called for the reinstatement of the Free Movement Regime (FMR), which has been in place since 1951 .

"If this is not addressed, the Nagas are ready to take any necessary action, whether democratic or otherwise," Shatsang warned.

Priscilla Thiumai criticised the unwarranted imposition of AFSPA, stating that it has often been misused, leading to severe consequences for the Naga people.

"AFSPA has taken a wrong course in our regions, and we call for its immediate repeal," she urged.

Thiumai pointed out that the Act has been imposed in several states, including Manipur, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Jammu and Kashmir, She warned that if AFSPA continues to be misapplied in Naga areas, the ramifications could be dire, as the community has endured enough hardships.

Referring to tragic incidents like the Oting and Kohima killings, she stressed; "We have lost many innocent lives.

AFSPA must go".

Thingreiphi Lungharwo elaborated on the historical content of TSL, which was founded in 1974 by Tangkhul women in response to the atrocities committed during the 1960s and 70s under AFSPA.

"Many of our members suffered torture, rape, and molestation by Indian security forces during that time," she recalled.

Reiterating the urgent need to abolish AFSPA, she said; "This draconian law has no place in a democracy like India.

It should not be enforced in our land or anywhere else in the country" .

She emphasized that while the Naga people are committed to peace, they are continually compelled to confront oppressive laws and tactics by the Indian government that they fundamentally oppose.

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