Newmai News Network
Senapati: The United Naga Council (UNC) said it is aghast at the recent incident of the “belligerent provocation by the 6th Assam Rifles unleashing indiscriminate firing of live bullets upon the Naga civilians especially the Naga women folks” at Chingkao (Makuai) village, Tamenglong district on March 14.
Also Read | Civil society organizations protest against bomb attack on FOCS president’s house
In a statement issued today, the UNC said that, in no uncertain terms, the Naga body condemned the “heinous act” of the Assam Rifles, “disrupting” the peaceful atmosphere in the area. “Such chilling campaigns of the Indian security forces under the patronization of the government of India, waging undeclared war upon the Naga people have been going on for decades without ceasing under the draconian law of AFSPA, 1958,” the UNC alleged. “It is one of the cruelest crimes a mighty India has committed before the world in the history of mankind,” it added.
Also Read | Unidentified Miscreants Disturb Consultation Programme With Alfred K Arthur at LM Block
With time and the change of leadership at the helm of the Union of India, Naga people expected and hoped for a change – forging towards a logical resolution of the political issue between the “two entities and treating each other with human dignity and with mutual trust and respect.” The Naga body added, “But all this while, wanton killings, chilling military campaigns in Naga areas and often betrayal and backtracking on the part of the Government of India remain constant till today which is truly disheartening.”
At this prevalent situation in the “present state of Manipur, far and wide,” the UNC pointed out that roaming with arms and in camouflage-uniforms, killings, extortions and intimidations by both the warring communities right under the nose of the Indian security forces in the valley and in the villages of Kukis in the hill areas including highways have been continuing for ten months and as a matter of fact, relative peace can only be seen in the Naga villages in Manipur all this time. “Now, the question is what has prompted the Assam Rifles to target the peaceful Naga civilians? What could be their intention?” the Naga body asked.
Also Read | ANSAM condemns indiscriminate firing; appeals to repeal AFSPA in Naga homeland
The UNC then urged the government of India to take necessary steps to stop “all these unwarranted provocations” once and for all. It also demanded the initiation of befitting action against the “reckless officers” responsible for the occurrence of the said incident. “Let us give peace a chance. Therefore, all the Nagas are cautioned to remain steadfast and vigilantagainst all the evil forces looming around us.”
This is not a Ukhrul Times publication. UT is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse its content. Any reports or views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of Ukhrul Times.
Also Read | Indigenous Seeds: A bond of climate-resilience, food security, and sustainable livelihood