UKHRUL: The Global Naga Forum (GNF) has reiterated its urgent and unequivocal appeal to the United Nations, relevant international human rights bodies, and the Government of Myanmar to take immediate and decisive action and initiate an independent and time-bound international investigation into the continued drone attacks on Naga civilians in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ), Myanmar.
Condemning the continued extrajudicial drone strikes targeting civilian populations in the Naga Self-Administered Zone (NSAZ), Myanmar, allegedly carried out by the Indian Army, GNF stated that the drone attack on Khammaoi Village on April 6 reflected a disturbing pattern of indiscriminate force that endangers innocent lives and violates international humanitarian law and fundamental human rights.
“Although the recent strike resulted in the destruction of a thatched house and, fortunately, spared the lives of an elderly man and his grandchild who were inside, the deployment of three drone bombs in and around the same location reveals a clear intent to inflict harm and instill fear among civilians,” GNF said in a statement.
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It also stated that the incident must be seen as an “escalation” of the devastating drone strike on Khammaoi Village in October last year.
“That attack claimed the lives of a 27-year-old student and a 7-year-old child, while several others, including a 10-year-old boy sustained serious injuries,” GNF stated, adding that the recurring pattern of targeting unarmed civilians under the cover of darkness reflects a grave and unacceptable abuse of military power.
Stating that it remains deeply alarmed by such continued attacks on Naga civilians within their ancestral lands, the GNF called for an immediate halt to all forms of violence, particularly the indiscriminate use of drone warfare against non-combatants.The GNF reiterated for the second time its urgent and unequivocal appeal to the United Nations, relevant international human rights bodies, and the Myanmar government to take immediate and decisive action by condemning such grave violations in the strongest terms.
It demanded an independent and time-bound international investigation, ensuring full accountability of those responsible, and taking concrete measures to prevent any further attacks on innocent civilians, while upholding international law and safeguarding the fundamental rights, dignity, and security of the Naga people.
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The GNF further reaffirmed its solidarity with the Naga people in Myanmar, particularly the residents of Khammaoi Village, in their demand for safety, justice, and the recognition of traditional authorities in safeguarding civilian life and ancestral Naga territories.