Naga Hoho (NH) and Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) have condemned the action of 6 Assam Rifles killing six NSCN (I-M) cadres while they were sleeping in a hut at Nginu village, Arunachal Pradesh on July 11, 2020.
In a joint statement, NH and NMA said the act of Assam Rifles was “a blot on the sincerity and accountability of India to peace” and demonstrated how it has not understood and recognised the political basis of the peace talks with the Naga groups.
The two bodies said that the existence of Ceasefire in the Naga areas has “lost its relevance if the Indian Armies continues to perpetuate violence and killings.” They urged the Government of India to “come out with clarity pertaining to the coverage of Ceasefire without further procrastination.”
While mourning the “lives of our young Naga Heroes,” the NH and NMA expressed appreciation to the Government of Nagaland, the Home Minister in particular for clearance of movement permit for their last journey home and for facilitating the return of the dead bodies to be buried “in our land as per our request.” NH and NMA also thanked the Government of Manipur for the same.
Further, NH and NMA thanked the Ceasefire Monitoring Group (CFMG) chairman for his “cooperation, guidance, and assistance.” The two bodies further thanked the Longding District Administration officials and Police of Arunachal Pradesh for the assistance.
NH and NMA also thanked Naga Students’ Federation, Eastern Nagaland People Organisation, Dimapur Naga Students’ Union, Kuki Inpi, United Naga Council, Naga Women Union, All Naga Students’ Association Manipur, Tangkhul Naga Long, and Tangkhul Union Dimapur.
“We owe to people in Arunachal, Assam, the civil society and activists who stood with us. We are also indebted to the Naga Council Dimapur for preparing the burial place at Old Naga Cemetery,” NH and NMA stated.
NH and NMA also pointed out that “we have also experienced hardship one after another while striving to bring back the slain mortal remains as various agencies tried to sabotage the handing over of dead bodies to the families and nearly buried the mortal remains midway.”
In this regard, NH and NMA have appealed to all warring groups to exhibit the utmost care and respect even to enemies on humanitarian ground and to uphold the laws as enshrined in the Geneva Conventions of 1949 pertaining to treatment of dead bodies.
Meanwhile, NH and NMA conveyed condolences to the families of slain cadres—Somaya Shatsang, Ashak Wangsha, Somipam Shaiza, Sawang Pansa, Lentsuba Lalii and Paogouhao Lhangum.