KOHIMA, JANUARY 22: A boycott call given by several Naga tribal groups is likely to hamper this year’s celebration of Republic Day on January 26.
The Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO), United Naga Council (UNC) of Manipur and supported by group like Global Naga Forum (GNF) is likely to impact celebration of Republic Day in Naga areas in Nagaland and Manipur. The Naga groups have given a boycott call in protest against brutal killing of 14 innocent civilians in Mon District on December 4 last by the combined force of Para Commandos and Assam Rifles. Since then there has been wide spread protest throughout Naga inhabited areas demanding justice for the victims and repeal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, which empowers security forces to flex their muscles in a State like Nagaland where militant groups are active.
The ENPO has reminded its constituent units to not participate in “the forthcoming Indian Republic Day celebration” on January 26.
In a letter to the Presidents of its constituent units, the ENPO cited the December 4, 2021 resolution of all Eastern Nagaland civil societies to not extend co-operation to the Indian security forces until justice is delivered to the December 4 and 5 victims’ families, in particular, and the people of Nagas in general
“In this regard, respective tribal bodies under ENPO are kindly informed to take the responsibility to mobilise general public for non-participation in their respective jurisdiction”, it stated.
The Indian Army and State Government are probing into the December 4 incident while the Central Government has constituted a committee to relook into the AFSPA. But several Naga organisations and groups continue to protest.
The ENPO consists of at least six tribes from six districts in the eastern part of the State. The UNC is the apex organisations of several Naga tribes in Manipur and GNF is group which consists of people from all walks of life from across the globe. These groups said they will boycott the Republic Day in protest against the killing at Oting on December 4 and delay in delivering justice to the victims. The GNF has extended solidarity to ENPO.
Naga organisations and groups have also boycotted the security forces till justice is delivered and culprits are punished.
(Page News Service)
