Nov 03, 2010

Nagalim: ‘Disturbed Area tag salt to Nagas’ injury’


 

The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has denounced the Government of India’s extending the ‘Disturbed Area’ status on Nagaland, under the black law the infamous Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA). 

 

 

Below is an article published by The Morung Express:

 

The NPF said the latest action of the Centre is an ‘instrument’ of ‘genocide’ against the people. A statement denouncing the AFSPA, and the extension of the ‘Disturbed Area’ status, was received here from NPF advisor Ato Yepthomi.   “It is sad episode that while Nagaland is currently experiencing one of the most peaceful times, the Government of India has chosen to turn a blind eye to this peaceful atmosphere and extended the tag on Nagaland as ‘Disturbed Area’ under the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act 1985 for a period of eight months,” the NPF advisor stated.

 

The NPF said the various Naga underground factions are in ceasefire with the Government of India and the peace and reconciliation process “steering on well ahead under the aegis of Forum for Naga Reconciliation.” During such significant junctures, “must the GoI try to sabotage the ongoing peace process by extending the ‘Disturbed Area’ Period? This is nothing more than rubbing salt on the injury of the Nagas, who in recent times are recovering from fratricidal killings,” the statement said. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram who presented the report under which the stated was re-set in the status, ought to have understood that no other country in the world is imposing such an Act ‘against its own people except India,’ the party said.

 

“At this present juncture, the entire NE is peaceful with various peace talks going on. If necessary, the home minister should instead impose such Act in his own state. With such time of decision taking mentality, a time may come when the Government of India will use even nuclear against its own people.” The Centre, and the Congress party is accused of resorting to “such tactics and Acts” in the “process carrying out systematic genocide against the NE people as in fake encounters, custodial deaths etc.” ‘Such acts are always imposed only by the Congress governments,’ Yepthomi explained. Naga civil organizations, political parties including the Congress are appealed to, to “voice out” against the imposition of the “Disturbed Area” status and the draconian law AFSPA upon Nagaland ‘which is at present very much peaceful’.