Naga Hoho slams GoI over AFSPA
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 07 2016: The Naga Hoho has expressed anguish over the callous atti-tude of the Government of India towards the demand for annul-ment of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1958 (AFSPA) in the North East, particularly the Naga areas, despite repeated appeals by Naga civil societies and other human rights activists.

The Naga Hoho also extended its unconditional sup- port to Irom Chanu Sharmila, also known as the "Iron Lady of Manipur", a civil rights and political activist of Manipur who has been on a continuous hunger-strike since November 2, 2000 demanding the annulment of AFSPA from Manipur.

Her demand for the repeal of AFSPA from the State, however, is still as distant as it was sixteen years ago when she began her hunger strike.

The Indian Government irrespective of what political party is in power, always chooses to remain a mute spectator when it comes to the annulment of AFSPA from North East, the Naga Hoho said in a statement.

Irom Chanu Sharmila, also known as the 'Iron Lady of Manipur'

It took the Naga people by surprise when RSS openly declared their support for the extension/continuation of AFSPA in North East and Jammu and Kashmir, it stated adding that there is no space for such draconian law in a civilized society.

The policy of the RSS in supporting the decision speaks volumes of their hatred toward the genuine cause of the Naga people.

The RSS should remember that the Naga's struggle for self determination cannot be equated with terrorism or secessionism as the Government of India has recognized the uniqueness of Naga political history and further recognizes the universal principle that in a democracy sovereignty lies with the people.

On top of these, the Government of India and the Naga people had agreed on a settlement to respect the wishes of the people sharing the sovereign power and to establish a new relationship for an enduring and lasting relationship between the Government of India and the Nagas.

RSS and the leaders from the Centre must understand the fact that the Indian Armies have been terrorizing the Naga people for over six decades.

Children and students are no exception in the eye of the Indian armies, the Naga Hoho stated.

In recent incidents, school going students were mercilessly shot dead and innocent children and public were tortured by the Assam Rifles.

The Naga Hoho pointed out that there is an ongoing political negotiation and peace process between GoI and the Naga people which can be testified by the signing of Framework Agreement signed on August 3 last year.

It said it strongly feels that there is peaceful atmosphere in Naga areas as of now and therefore any policy that harms the atmosphere of trust and confidence would be dear to all stakeholders and therefore AFSPA should be immediately repealed from the land at the earliest.

The Naga Hoho has further urged the public to understand the impact of the Armed Forces Act and support the call for the annulment of the Act for a secure future.