By John K Kaping
UKHRUL, Feb 14: Tangkhul civil societies spearheaded by the by the Tangkhul Women`s League(TSL), Tangkhul Students` Union (TKS), Tangkhul Youth Council (TMNL) and the Naga Peoples` Movement for Human Rights (NPMHR) South sector continued to protest demanding the unconditional release of Ningkhan Shimray (Anthony Shingh), head of the foreign affairs of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN I-M) who have successfully participated 7 times at the ongoing Indo-Naga Peace talk.
The civil bodies organized a sit in protest today at the Gandhi Chowk, Ukhrul town starting from noon till 3pm.
During the protest, president TKS, Yangmi Kapai and President TMNL Ningkhan Shangh addressed the public and expressed unhappiness over the arrest of Ningkhan Shimray who has taken active role in the Indo-Naga Peace talk`s table.
The leaders on behalf of the Tangkhul community`s Youth and Students` interest sent out a message to fight till the last and ensure the immediate and unconditional release of the jailed NSCN leader. Chingya Luithui, convenor of the South sector NPMHR asserted that the “abduction or kidnapping” of Ningkhan Shimray one of the chief Indo-Naga peace negotiators during the cease-fire pact violates Human Rights.
“Moreover, the Indian nation is a member signatory of the Prevention of Force disappearance of Human being with the United Nations (UN)”.
Thousands of “free Ningkhan” supporters hold placards that read, “dragonian law is not the solution”, “Son, be strong we are with you we will not rest till your release”, “War or Ceasefire???” “Is NIA above the law?”, “Is Tihar Jail for Peace talk delegate???” et al.
The main banners imprinted with words “Release Immediately Ningkhan Shimray unconditionally” was hung across the circle of the Ukhrul Gandhi Chawk.
The public protest movement function was moderated by the TSL president Silla J. Konghay.
Meanwhile, Naga Peoples Movement for Human Rights and Naga Women’s Union in a joint press statement have reaffirmed its support for Anthony Ningkhan Shimray and has further stated that it will continue to protest till he is unconditionally released.
It has further stated, “the `campaign for the unconditional release of anthony‘ once again demand for the unconditional release of Anthony Ningkhan Shimray, head of foreign affairs, National Socialist Council of Nagaland (NSCN) who is a key person in the Indo-Naga peace talk”.
“Anthony Ningkhan Shimray had participated in peace talks as part of the negotiating team at least seven times in the past, including meetings in India and it is unacceptable that despite all these he was arrested while on his way to attend another round of peace talk at New Delhi”, the stated decried.
It has further stated, “We have been carrying out various forms of demonstration, protesting his abduction and subsequent imprisonment as we believe that isolating him from the peace process is a pressure tactic of the Government of India to derail the peace talks”.
“We ask the Government of India under such an atmosphere of suspicion and veiled penal threats how can we expect a solution to the Naga issue which would be mutually acceptable, honourable and long lasting?” the statement added.
