‘Nagas in Myanmar victims of worst human rights violations’

Eastern Mirror Desk
Dimapur, June 22: The Naga Students and Youth Federation (NSYF), an apex students and youth body of the Nagas in Myanmar, has said that the Nagas in Myanmar were subjected to the worst kind of human rights violations for years under the military rule of the country.

Sharing the ordeals of the Nagas from across the border, an executive member of NSYF told Eastern Mirror that the people (Nagas) suffered bitterly under military rule for many decades even after Myanmar’s independence.

“The military (junta) stationed in Naga-inhabited Sagaing region have been committing worst human rights violations, including raping minors, physically torturing innocent civilians, unwarranted raids, extrajudicial killings, systematic suppression to Nagas etc., which have been kept hidden from the outside world,” he said.

“NSYF wants to explicitly tell the Nagas in India and to the world that we the Nagas in Myanmar have lost our birthright as human beings. We call (upon everyone) to assist us while we work hard, leaving no stone unturned until we get back our birthright,” he added.

However, the source said that the situation started improving in 2011 after the then president of the Republic of the Union of Myanmar, U Thein Sein announced during his “inaugural speech to both the Chambers of Parliament that an individual or organisation can stand for election based on the democratic principles.” With the government opening the door for peace, NSYF was formed in 2014, he added.

The NSYF embarked on a 13-day tour of Nagaland and Manipur states from June 9 to the 21st with an aim to build a healthy relationship with the Nagas across the “artificial borders.” The source informed Eastern Mirror that it was the first time that the federation had taken up such a tour as a team.

The team included Solomon Theibung Tangkhul – president, Pongngae Tangshang – general secretary, Thongtsiihmiu Jongs Makury – advisor, Soni Tangkhul – social secretary, Silengshei Makury – education secretary, and Nwan Nwan Tangshang – MIP secretary.

The NSYF embarked on the tour “knowing the need of the hour” for Nagas on both sides of the border to work harder to become stronger and better, and to be “more successful and self-reliant,” said the source.

The federation also attended the 5th General Conference of the Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA), its sub-ordinate body based in Nagaland, on June 15 during the visit.