DIMAPUR, Aug 7 NNN : (NPMHR) deplores the continuing dehumanizing of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) which the NPMHR said is rooted directly to colonial policy of suppressing peoples\u2019 movement.
\nThe NPMHR made this statement today while expressing its disappointment over the continued extension of Disturbed Area Act (DAA) in Nagaland year after year.
\nIt can be noted here that last month, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India had informed the extension of the notification declaring Nagaland as a \u201cDisturbed Area\u201d under the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 in the Gazette of India for a period of one year, with effect from June 30.
\n\u201cThis extension has been made despite the prevailing congenial political environment with the steady progress of current political events in the background of ceasefires with major political groups (Naga underground organisations) and peace negotiations; and at a time when Nagas are seeking to achieve meaningful reconciliation for a peaceful approach to addressing common issues,\u201d the Naga rights group pointed out.
\nNPMHR feels that the continued extension of the DAA reflects a lack of political understanding on the part of the Government of India, which has failed to enable any confidence building mechanisms for a common concern.
\n\u201cThe NPMHR therefore deplores the continuing dehumanizing of Naga society through militarization and enforcement of draconian laws such as the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, through the declaration of DAA which is rooted directly to colonial policy of suppressing peoples\u2019 movement,\u201d the Naga rights group stated. The NPMHR then said that ever since India engaged the Naga people under these \u201cterror laws\u201d with an over-whelming presence of military personnel of all shades and sizes, who wantonly committed heinous atrocities and gross violation of human rights; and even took upon itself the role of social and developmental activities, the Naga experience has been one of political subjugation, economic exploitation and cultural assimilation.
\n\u201cAnother note of concern is the involvement of bureaucratic judgments, particularly in the sanctioning and involvement of legislations, which is totally opposed to the political will and reasons that is much required today,\u201d the NPMHR stated.
\nThe NPMHR implore upon the present day Government of Nagaland to initiate an all-party discussion for immediate removal of the Disturbed Area tag which has been the \u201cface of Nagaland\u201d for as long as one can remember.<\/p>\n\n