“…we would like to reiterate that, human kind have made history through the struggle for freedom from exploitation and subjugation, and that NPMHR as a human rights organisation stands committed for realisation of this effort no matter what it takes,” the organisation said. In recommitting to the goal, the NPMHR also expressed fullest support and solidarity to all struggling peoples and nations whose rights and freedom are being suppressed by ‘dominant communities and nation states.’
Human Rights movement completes 31 year
The organisation then urged the international community and the agencies of the United Nations to “reinvigorate their mechanism” in monitoring the ‘overall’ human rights situation in the Naga areas. The NPMHR said that the issue of the Nagas has “once again become vulnerable in the backdrop of a ceasefire that has continued for more than 12 years without intention to seek solutions but only to undermine the basic human rights of peoples who seek to protect and preserve their own natural identity.”
The NPMHR has reaffirmed its submission to the United Nations through the occasion of International Year of the World’s Indigenous People. The organisation has reiterated it commitment to the right to live together as a people through unification of all Naga areas, the right to be free from the “clutches” of occupational forces and the right to have the United Nation’s recognition of the Naga country as a “sovereign nation.”
Tracing its inception 30 years ago, on September 9, 1978, the statement said the NPMHR was formed based on the universal belief that “violation of human rights in any part of the world is a threat to the human race as a whole and protection and promotion of human rights anywhere is a concern of all.” The organisations declared to take upon itself the task of initiating organised struggle to protect and promote the basic human rights of the Naga people, NPMHR said.
“Today, NPMHR is proud to say that it has also been a ‘close follower’ of the 2nd Indo-Naga Peace Process ever since it started in 1997. In this endeavor, we also responded on any given situation which demanded our presence or interventions,” the NPMHR stated. It said that “extra steps” were taken to patch-up differences between what the NPMHR called the “national” leaders. They were estranged in their “working relationships due to reasons beyond their control,” the organisation explained.
“Today we are also proud partners with the many Naga civil society organisations, churches and well-meaning individuals, who have managed to narrow down the wide chasm between our Naga national groups. The end result may still be awaited… but the countdown to ‘our own nation-building’ may have begun,” it stated.