IMPHAL, December 1: The Naga Mothers`™ Association pleaded with the Prime Minister of India that his visit to Nagaland would mark the beginning of a better understanding between the Central Government and `this land of ours, torn by a history of decades of conflict, militarization and the deep yearning for Peace`.
It a press statement released today, the NMA appealed to the PM `As mothers and women, who represent about half of the Naga population to take note of the NMA`™s deep concern for the long drawn Naga Political problem and for a Sustainable Solution, which will not only protect the dignity and historical rights of the Naga people, but will also ensure Gender Justice in keeping with the International Conventions and Resolutions of the United Nations Security Council with regard to accountability for crimes against women, during these long decades of war, conflict and militarization.
`As Naga mothers we have suffered, seen and lost, thousands of our men, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters, who have given their lives for the Naga cause and we expect that their sacrifices and memories will be respected through an honourable solution for the Nagas`, the statement said.
The NMA statement reiterated the demand for the withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act from Nagaland, Manipur and other parts of the North east and Kashmir. `The Naga experience of the impunity of the AFSPA has been a blot on the pages of India`™s democracy. Women in all these situations and regions of conflict have been the largest victims of army atrocities, with no justice, and Naga women bear the scars, trauma and terrifying experiences of living under the shadow of the AFSPA for more than fifty years`, it said.
It said the NMA deposed before the Verma Commission in Delhi, on the AFSPA experiences, but it is most unfortunate that the recommendations of the Commission were not taken cognizance of.
`The Central Government must realize further Alienation will continue, unless such draconian laws are repealed in the interest of building trust and a Just Peace. For us women who live in these areas, no explanations are tenable for the continued imposition of such black laws like the AFSPA, in a democratic country``™ the statement said.
The NMA statement also called for holding of `the long overdue Municipal elections and implementation of 33% reservation for women in Nagaland, as per the law`.
`The NMA believes that the democratic principles of equality as citizens under the Constitution will be upheld by the Hon`™ble Court and justice delivered for Naga women to participate in urban decision making bodies, as per the 74th Amendment`, it said adding: `It is a grave travesty of justice that the State which is supposed to protect and guarantee our rights under the law and the Constitution, has systematically attempted to prevent the implementation of the same`.
The NMA statement also reminded the PM of its anguish `at the continuing racist attacks and crimes, including murder, against our children from the North east in Indian cities, including Delhi. The NMA demands that swift, stringent punitive action be taken against offenders as per the law in all these cases`, it said.
The statement was signed by five leaders of this respected Naga institution.