Naga struggles, plight echoed at Human Rights Day 2024
Source: Chronicle News Service
Senapati, December 10 2024:
Naga People's Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) joined the global community in observing Human Rights Day 2024, marking the 76th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) .
The event, themed "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now," was held on Tuesday at the Maram Union Secretariat, Old Monday Market, here.
It began with a symbolic stilt-stick walk led by the Young Troupe dressed in black, signifying the suppression of Naga rights by the Indian government.
The procession moved from the 'Tahamzam' central traffic point to the venue, where the programme formally commenced.
Neingulo Krome, secretary general NPMHR, deliberated on "Introduction to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Its Relevance to the Nagas", highlighting the historical struggles of indigenous peoples globally for self-determination and the limited, yet meaningful, support provided by mechanisms within the United Nations, such as the adoption of the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Krome also reflected on the Naga people's long-standing victimisation, recounting atrocities including village burning, rape of women, torture of children, the murder of many men, and the destruction of lives and livelihoods.
He noted that Naga leaders, following the declaration of Naga independence in 1947 and the 1931 plebiscite where 99.9 per cent of Nagas voted for sovereignty, sought international recognition of their plight.
Despite these efforts, including the endeavours of AZ Phizo, the then president of Naga National Council, who left Nagaland for London to engage international communities, tangible outcomes remain elusive.
The secretary general also highlighted the broader context of the UDHR's adoption in 1948, juxta-posing its principles with the persistent challenges faced by the Nagas under Indian military operations and systemic human rights violations.
Krome further detailed the NPMHR's journey in advocating for Naga rights on international platforms.
Following the 199,7 ceasefire agreement between the Government of India and the NSCN, the organisation gained opportunities to share the plight of the Naga people with the United Nations and other global forums.
In Geneva, the NPMHR highlighted the enduring human rights violations faced by the Nagas for over five decades.
The secretary also mentioned their efforts for indigenous representation at the United Nations through the UN Working Group on Indigenous Populations, adding that indigenous communities worldwide expressed dissatisfaction with the term "Populations", which was later revised to "Peoples" to better reflect their identity and aspirations.
In 2002, the first session of the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues was convened, with its headquarters in New York.
During this session, the Nagas received an invitation from the United Nations to participate in the forum.
Under this invitation, he attended the session, representing the NPMHR.
In 2007, the United Nations adopted and proclaimed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples on September 13, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of indigenous rights.
The speaker highlighted how this initiative has provided a vital platform for indigenous communities to share their narratives and advocate for their rights.
The Nagas, along with other indigenous groups worldwide, have since engaged actively in global efforts to promote and safeguard human rights, Krome added.
The latter part of the programme featured an open discussion titled "All Humans Are Born Free and Equal in Dignity and Rights: An Audit on the Right to Self-Determination of the Nagas".
Participants explored critical issues, including the ongoing peace talks between the Nagas and the Government of India in the context of the Framework Agreement of August 2015.Concerns were raised over the lack of tangible progress and its implications for regional peace.
A key takeaway from the discussion was the call for respectful, honourable negotiations and sustained advocacy for Naga rights, aligning with this year's theme, "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now".
The event saw the participation of senior leaders, civil society representatives, activists and well-wishers from across Manipur.
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