International Human Rights Council (IHRC), Nagaland state chapter was officially launched on December 12 at a function held at Hotel Saramati, Dimapur.
Addressing the gathering on the topic “Human rights violation in the context of Nagaland”, advocate, Limanochet Jamir, expressed dismay that Nagas in general, even though highly qualified and educated, lack basic knowledge on human rights.
Dwelling on unity, he mentioned that unity was very much important in any nation building. However, unity from the concept of Naga society, according to him, was driven more towards destructive interpretation, rather than a constructive one.
He held that unity does not necessarily have to be uniformity. This was one reason why Nagas interpreted unity in a destructive manner, by considering unity to be uniformity, he said and added that if unity does not preserve truth, it becomes destructive.
He further went on to state that Nagas in general were currently in a confused state without a proper point of reference. Limanochet said that multiplicity of authority leads to high chances of uncertainty in law, further leading to losing the point of reference of what was good and what was bad.
Referring to ill treatment meted out to domestic helpers, Limanochet lamented that human rights violation was taking place inside the four walls of home. He also pointed the ignorance of government in not considering giving out minimum wage for “helpers”.
Limanochet also spoke about how gender issue was still prevalent in the state and mentioned that Nagas should use the same yard stick to judge both men and women.
Also addressing the gathering, general secretary NE Zonal board (public department), IHRC, Wilson Hasda, called upon the gathering to have faith and to be change makers and trend setters. He stated that the most important aspect was to change people’s life and that according to him, depended on every individual.
Hasda also held that the main aim of IHRC was to empower people by making them aware of their rights. He therefore called upon the youth to not only stand up for their own rights, but also to strand for other rights as well.
He also acknowledged the IHRC Nagaland state chapter for having a team of youngsters coming together and working for the welfare of human rights.
IHRC Nagaland state board (public dept.) president, Akavi N Zhimomi, in his brief speech, stated that it was time for elders to give opportunity to the youths of Nagaland.
Mentioning that it was not a factor of youths not being satisfied with the changes and developments brought by the elder generation, Zhimomi stated that it was time where elders needed to give youths to be leaders by guiding them and helping them grow.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by vice president, IHRC Nagaland state board (public dept.), Kuhoto I Awomi and vote of thanks delivered by executive president, IHRC Nagaland state board (public dept.), Chubatangit Jamir.