Ukhrul: The Naga Peoples’ Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) and Naga Women’s Union (NWU) have condemned the killing of four Naga Army soldiers by comrades at Hongbei on 28th March. The NPMHR has also raised several questions on the current situation in the Naga homeland, especially after the incident. The Tangkhul Naga Long issues a 12-hour ultimatum to hand over suspects.
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In a press statement, the NPMHR stated that the Naga People are in the grip of external forces adversely acting upon their peaceful search for recognition of their political and sovereign rights over their homeland. Asserting that the adversaries have been consistently inserting divisive tools to fragment their social fabric, often coated in the sweet-candied narratives of development and economic well-being, raises several questions.
“How much longer do we have to delegitimize ourselves and our rights for the sake of these ill-intent narratives? How much longer do we have to allow ourselves to be beguiled by these deceits? How much longer will it take us to understand this self-destroying war strategy of our adversaries?” the NPMHR queried.
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On the killing of the four Naga Army personnel, the NPMHR expresses its shock and anguish, describing that the act of killing any person is a human disgrace, and any act of fratricide is tragic and an abject social disgrace and shame. The NPHMR declared that it does not condone such a heinous act.
“We, Nagas everywhere together, are just a few in numbers and have been non-violently defending our homeland and our inalienable rights. Such “killings” are yet another manifestation of the impact of the narratives of the adversaries who are absolutely focused on destroying us and hence have deviously polluted our minds, leading us to destroy each other,” it added.
Further, the NPMHR, while expressing its pain and sadness over the incident, appeals to all for a better and humane sense to prevail. It urges all to stand together and overcome the ploy of the adversaries, while offering its heartfelt condolences to the families and kin of the fallen soldiers.
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Condemning the incident and expressing its profound discontent, the Naga Women’s Union has termed it a tragedy that brought sorrow to thousands of mothers and sisters. Urging for recognition for the fallen brothers and a swift resolution to the incident, it urges those responsible to come forward with honesty and courage for the good of individuals and Nagas as a whole.
“Let no Naga rise against another-our unity must be stronger than our emotions,” the union appeals, while calling for justice and accountability.
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Meanwhile, the Tangkhul Naga Long and frontal organisation of the Tangkhul tribe has issued a 12-hour ultimatum to hand over the suspects involved in the killing of the four Naga Army personnel. The 12-hour ultimatum, counting from 2:00 PM today, was issued following a meeting of all Tangkhul civil organizations under the apex body, the Tangkhul Naga Long.
As per the press statement, the suspects, namely Athot of Sihai Khunou village and Star of Lairam Khullen, are ordered to be brought to the TNL alive and in sound health. It warned that failure to comply would result in non-cooperation from the Tangkhul community to the Wung Tangkhul Region.