Naga Mothers’ Association seeks Defence Minister’s intervention over alleged drone strike

DIMAPUR — The Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) has sought the immediate intervention of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh into the drone bombing of civilian areas in Khenmoi village, located across the border in the Naga Self-Administered Zone of Myanmar, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of two civilians and left several others injured.

In a representation addressed to the defence minister through the governor of Nagaland, the NMA stated that the victims included a seven-year-old girl, identified as Phiphot Wangsa, and 27-year-old Khampei Wangsa, Joint Secretary of Khammoi Students’ Union.

Several men and women were also said to have sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Mon District Hospital.

Calling the alleged attack “highly questionable” and “against all international human rights conventions,” the NMA condemned the targeting of unarmed civilians and children by the Indian Army.

The association demanded an immediate inquiry into the incident and urged that those responsible be held accountable for crimes against the Naga people.

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“The Naga Mothers’ Association reiterates that our lands cannot continue to be the ‘killing fields’ of the Indian Army. They must be held accountable for such crimes,” the statement read.

The NMA also drew attention to the Oting incident of 2021, saying that accountability for the massacre of civilians in the Tiru mining area was still awaited.

It further called for justice for the deaths of the two victims, adequate compensation for the injured and affected families, and restitution for damaged civilian property.

Emphasising the importance of peace and security in Naga areas, the association stated, “We firmly believe that peace must exist within Naga areas, irrespective of borders. The ongoing peace process must be respected at all costs.”

It added that the right to peace and security, as recognised under international human rights law, must be protected for all Naga people.