Our soil shall no longer be used to cradle any violence and bloodshed - Konyak Union

Urges both the governments of India and Myanmar to uphold human rights

Dimapur, May 24 (EMN): The Konyak Union (KU) has expressed utmost dismay over the joint military manoeuvre of the Tatmadaw (Myanmar army) and the Indian security forces against the NSCN within “Konyak soil” – in Naga villages along the Indo-Myanmar border --, describing the move as an “odious act” and “uncivilized diplomacy” to curtail the age-old Naga political issue. Urging both the governments of India and Myanmar to uphold human rights, the union said in a statement that it has always stood for peace and for a peaceful solution; and “had out rightly and consistently predestined on any act of violence committed by any groups within its jurisdiction.” “The quandary of Eastern Konyaks is still very pathetic. 100s of miles away from the road of civilisation, the people have been living constantly in dread on account of militarised attitude being inflicted upon the region. Our existence seems invaluable to both India and Myanmar governments. Government sanctioning such drastic strategy itself proves its immature policy,” read the statement from KU. “We, the Konyaks had hustled in bloodshed, endured and killed for the past 70-80 years. Today, the same should not be repeated nor we will succumb to it. Government giving sanctions for indiscriminate bombardment itself is a direct violation of human rights,” it said, adding that such act of violence should be tabled before the United Nation (UN). It went on to say that both the Indian and Myanmar governments should restrain from resorting to violence and rather opt for a peaceful solution considering the plight of the poor public. The Konyak Union is also upset over its peace mission for honourable solution being annulled. It said the proposed Longwa submit, which was scheduled on May 17, was called off temporary. The Union stated that the Konyaks were shocked to see two Myanmar juntas being killed during the joint military operation on May 16 “on account of mistaken firing between the two parties.” It has confirmed that the dead body of the Myanmar junta along with several injured were brought to Khamti town. “Though not ascertain yet, we are deeply downcast to hear our grieving Konyak brothers from Myanmar reproving the government of India for instigating the Tatmadaw officials to unleash their barbaric act upon the poor Konyak public for huge returns. Hence, before such confusion ignites the minds of the younger generation, the Konyak Union fervently appeals before the government of India to immediately talk with its counterpart in freezing off such barbaric operation. Solution cannot happen without negotiation and peace (sic),” it stated. The Konyak Union has appealed to Northeast insurgent groups to pave way for a peaceful and amicable solution while honouring the sacrifices rendered to their people. Stressing that insurgent groups learn to retrospect, it said peaceful negotiation is a must for any forms of solution; and it doesn’t mean to surrender but to come to terms, learn to co-exist together and understand one another. “Today, we the Konyaks are compelled to declare that, our soil shall no longer be used to cradle any violence and bloodshed. Our soil is to toil, breed and to survive but not to be stained with blood and chaos,” read the statement. Stating that Konyaks have suffered enough, it said the people of the region can no longer tolerate sufferings caused by any intractable ideology that breeds brutality. “Lastly, while upholding our identity, traditional and customary rights, we sincerely aspire for peace, progress and development in our land like the rest. Both GoI and Myanmar government should comprehend this very sentiment. Immediate measure needs to be initiated in order to find a means for peace. Missiles can destroy a nation but not its spirit which is deeply rooted upon a solid rock. Pray for Peace,” it concluded.