Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has written to the state chief minister drawing his attention to various issues including extension of the Disturbed Area Act (DAA) and Armed Forces Special Powers Act in Nagaland, ban of sale of dog meat, government’s self declaration order to employees etc. and sought his intervention.
In a representation addressed to the state chief minister, NMA president Abeiu Meru and secretary Lochumbeni Humtose strongly protested the extension of DAA and AFSPA amidst the ongoing peace process. Stating that they have witnessed decades of armed violence, militarization, killings and human rights violations, NMA has, therefore, urged the government to protect the right to peace and security without such draconian laws.
NMA also sought repealing of AFSPA for a fruitful and peaceful conclusion of the Naga political issue in an atmosphere of respect and mutual understanding. On the issue of ban of sale of dog meat, NMA stated that dog meat was a traditional delicacy among many tribes in the state.
Instead of making strong efforts to sensitize public with campaigns on taking care of pet dogs and avoiding cruelty to animals or risks of rabies, the NMA said the government resorted to blanket ban.
“We protest against the State invading our kitchens and our food habits,” NMA said.
Asserting that it did not endorse cruelty to animals, NMA, however, said that banning certain food that was an inherent part of culture of certain tribes was objectionable.
NMA has, therefore, demanded revoking the ban on dog meat and urged the state to start a campaign on sensitizing public against cruelty to animals.
On state government’s order to employees to declare relationships with any Naga palatal groups, NMA expressed deep concern and said the order was “bereft of historical understanding” that the Naga struggle began with a male volunteer from every Naga family to join the movement. “Till today, this exist in many Naga villages and families, whether with or without the active consent of family members,” NMA said.
Asserting that “this Naga reality” must he understood till a settlement of the Naga Political issue was realised, the NMA has demanded that the state revoke its order and form and instil trust and confidence in its employees.
Meanwhile, extending support to various voices for accountability and a corruption-free state, the NMA has urged the State leadership to take cognizance of serious financial and procedure irregularities highlighted in the public domain. NMA also sought active intervention of chief minister to address issues of rampant corruption within the governance systems.
Meanwhile, NMA has extended gratitude to all frontline workers including all government officials in different districts in this pandemic crisis in the state.
NMA expressed hope that the state government would render all help and assistance to all districts to combat the pandemic.